Health Care Workers In India Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude, and practices toward oral health among frontline healthcare workers in India

Knowledge, attitude, and practices toward oral health among frontline healthcare workers in India

Burnout Professional Fulfilment and Sleep Quality in Indian Healthcare Workers in Times of the Covid-19 Pandemic

Aim and Background: With more than 210 nations affected, the SARS-COV-2 became the most widespread worldwide pandemic. As of 14 April 2022, over 500 million cases were confirmed globally Given these numbers, it was hardly surprising that the Covid-19 epidemic significantly strained healthcare systems worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the degree of Burnout, Professional fulfilment, and Sleep quality across various groups of healthcare professionals working during the Covid-19 pandemic and looked for any correlation between these three variables. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional observational research design and gathered data from respondents across various regions of India through an anonymous online or paper-based questionnaire tailored to the preferences of each participating Healthcare Worker (HCW). The assessment of professional fulfilment was conducted by employing the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index and the sleep quality of healthcare workers was determined via the use of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The variables were analyzed using statistical tools; Chi-square test, Fisher’s Exact test,Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance and Spearman’s rank correlation Results: Burnout was notably higher among the HCWs with poorer Sleep quality and lower in HCWs with higher Professional Fulfilment. Correlations further revealed that Burnout scores positively correlated with Work exhaustion and Interpersonal Disengagement Conclusion: This illustrates that HCWs with poorer sleep quality and lesser professional fulfilment experienced greater burnout at work during the COVID-19 pandemic Clinical significance: These insights guide healthcare providers and policy markers to optimize the well being of Healthcare Workers and foster informed preparedness in case of future pandemics. Keywords: COVID-19, PSQI, HCW, SPFI, Burnout, Professional Fulfilment, Sleep Quality.

Prevalence of tuberculosis among healthcare workers in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs) in India, a country bearing a substantial portion of the global TB burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the prevalence of TB among HCWs in India. Analyzing ten studies up to 2024, we found a pooled prevalence of 2391.6 cases per 100,000 individuals, underscoring the critical occupational risk. Factors contributing to this high prevalence include inadequate ventilation, insufficient personal protective equipment, and frequent exposure to multidrug-resistant TB strains. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for stringent infection control measures, routine TB screening, and comprehensive educational programs. Policy recommendations include developing national TB screening guidelines and improving healthcare infrastructure. Protecting HCWs is crucial to achieving India's goal of TB elimination by 2025.

Appropriate Hand Drying - The Missed Step of Hand Hygiene: A Qualitative Evaluation of Hand Drying Practices among Indian Health Care Workers.

Hand hygiene remains one of the most effective methods of preventing healthcare-associated infections. Hand drying is the end point of hand hygiene. Hand drying after hand hygiene is less explored, and the practice varies in different facilities. This explorative study was done to know the various hand-drying methods and practices of healthcare workers in Indian settings. This was a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study initiated from a tertiary care setup in Uttarakhand. Healthcare workers over 18 years of age directly involved in patient care were enrolled. A semi-structured questionnaire with both open-ended and close-ended questions was used with snowballing sampling technique. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Out of the eligible 395 respondents, 62.8% were female. The mean age of the respondents was 31.34 ± 8.44 years and average working hours were 8.87 ± 2.97 (range 4-24) hours. Only 72.7% did hand hygiene always before touching a patient. Nurses were more compliant about hand hygiene than doctors (P < 0.0001). A total of 82.8% were aware of appropriate hand-drying methods. Staff in the Intensive care unit Intensive care unit (ICU) setup were more aware of hand drying practices (P = 0.033). A total of 21.8% wiped their hands on their clothing to dry their hands. This was more in staff from paraclinical departments (P = 0.001). A total of 35.7% used handkerchiefs to dry hands. Resident doctors used handkerchiefs more than senior doctors or nursing staff (P = 0.01). A total of 49.9% of respondents spent less than 10 seconds in hand drying. Hand-hygiene knowledge is high among healthcare workers in India, but the knowledge of appropriate hand-drying practices is lacking. There is wide variation in the practice of hand drying. Better hand drying guidelines and incorporating hand drying as the essential endpoint of the hand hygiene ritual are warranted.

Mental health status among corporate- and public sector health care workers in India during COVID-19 pandemic (second-wave): Impact of awareness, work satisfaction, risky work-environment practices and social media usage on DASS-21 &amp; IES-R scores

Mental health status among corporate- and public sector health care workers in India during COVID-19 pandemic (second-wave): Impact of awareness, work satisfaction, risky work-environment practices and social media usage on DASS-21 &amp; IES-R scores

Psychological health among healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic: An updated meta-analysis.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak created a challenge to manage the health, especially the mental health of various care providers involved in treating the patients infected with the virus. Previously published literature has shown a significant effect of the pandemic on the psychological health of healthcare workers (HCWs) globally; so, this study aimed to describe the psychological health outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among Indian HCWs. An extensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed and Google Scholar. The search was restricted from the COVID-19 outbreak until June 2022. Cross-sectional studies and other studies (telephonic interviews and survey-based studies) reported the prevalence of anxiety and depression among frontline HCWs since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. All the studies were critically evaluated by two individual authors in terms of screening and methodological quality evaluation. A total of 16 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The prevalence of depression among n = 12231 participants of 14 studies was 0.37 CI 95% [0.28-0.48]; the prevalence of anxiety among n = 9467 participants of 12 studies was 0.39 CI 95% [0.29-0.49]. The results of the overall meta-analysis indicate that 37% and 39% of HCWs in this study experienced mild-to-severe depression and anxiety, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of HCWs developed mental health issues, with a reported prevalence of depression (37%) and anxiety (39%). Frontline HCWs' mental health should get full consideration during public health emergencies, screening should be actively conducted, and specific steps should be taken to lower the fear associated with the risk of infections.

BEYOND HEROES AND VILLAINS: PORTRAYAL OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN FILM “VIRUS”

The portrayal of healthcare workers in films significantly influences public perception. This study delves into the Malayalam film "Virus," a dramatization of the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, India. Using a semiotic approach, it investigates the representation of healthcare workers through visual elements, character traits, and interactions within the film. Rather than resorting to clichéd depictions of heroic saviors` or villainous doctors, "Virus" offers a nuanced and realistic portrayal. The analysis scrutinizes how healthcare workers are visually depicted through clothing, body language, and facial expressions, reflecting their dedication, expertise, and resilience. It delves into the film's portrayal of character traits, emphasizing their unwavering commitment despite facing significant personal risk and exposure to a deadly virus. Furthermore, it examines how their interactions with patients and authorities illustrate the challenges they confront during a public health crisis. By dissecting these signs and symbols, the research aims to unravel the underlying messages conveyed about the healthcare profession in "Virus." This analysis has the potential to foster a more balanced public perception of healthcare workers in India and globally. Additionally, it highlights how films like "Virus" can employ scientific accuracy to depict the complexities of managing real-world epidemics.

Psychological Resilience of Frontline Healthcare Workers in India: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study during COVID-19 Pandemic in India

Objectives: To measure the resilience of the healthcare staff and frontline workers who played an active part during the COVID-19 pandemic in India and to explore the correlation of factors that bolster resilience. Materials and Methods: Mixed-methods study using convenience sampling, with a sample size of 103 respondents and a qualitative sample size of 18 respondents (11 doctors and 7 nurses) from all over India. The resilience was measured using the Brief Resilience Questionnaire. Results: The mean Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), indicative of the workforce’s psychological resilience, was 3.257 with a standard error of 0.07 (Max: 4.66 and Min: 1). The median score was 3.33. The study has shown a high positive correlation (r = 0.633) between the presence of a peer support mechanism (both formal and informal) in organisations and resilience of the healthcare workforce. There exists a moderate positive correlation between healthcare workers relationship status and their resilience (r = 0.226). A positive correlation with r = 0.122 was observed between the years of experience and the BRS scores. A weak but positive correlation was observed between the respondents’ self-reported positive adaptation to the pandemic and their BRS Scores. Conclusions: Enhancing the psychological resilience of healthcare workers, a key factor in delivering quality patient care, can be achieved through straightforward interventions leveraging fundamental human attributes such as peer support and interpersonal relationships.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices Regarding Tuberculosis Among Healthcare Workers and Patients in India: A Mixed-Method Study.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in India. Healthcare workers (HCWs) and TB patients are critical to disease transmission and prevention. This study evaluated and compared knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to TB infection control. This was a mixed-method study that included a cross-sectional survey conducted among 167 HCWs and 346 patients with TB at tertiary hospitals in western Gujarat using a validated questionnaire. Additionally, 20 HCWs and 20 patients were interviewed to gain qualitative insights. Between-group analyses were performed, and multivariate regressions identified predictors of knowledge and compliance, while thematic analysis explored qualitative insights. A total of 142/167 (85.0%) HCWs had good knowledge, whereas 208/346 (60.1%) patients had good knowledge. A total of 151/167 (90.4%) HCWs had positive attitudes, whereas 242/346 (69.9%) patients had positive attitudes. A total of 159/167 (95.2%) HCWs practiced good preventive behaviors, whereas 225/346 (65.0%) patients did. HCWs demonstrated significantly higher mean knowledge scores (9.2 vs. 7.1, p<0.001) and higher median attitude scores (ranging from 5 with IQR 4-5 to 5 with IQR 5-5) compared to patients (ranging from 4 with IQR 3-5 to 5 with IQR 4-5) across all attitude statements assessed using the Likert scale (p<0.001). Being an HCW was associated with good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.5, 95% CI 1.5-4.1), positive attitudes (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.6), and good practices (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.8-5.2). The qualitative themes highlighted the need for accessible education, clear communication, adequate resourcing, and personal responsibility. This study identified gaps in TB prevention knowledge and practices among patients compared to those among HCWs in India. Tailored educational initiatives, optimized health communication, improved infrastructure, and accessible messaging can help individuals assimilate appropriate infection control behaviors among healthcare system actors and communities toward ending TB.

Burnout and Coping Styles among Frontline Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Healthcare professionals lead the healthcare services with their all resources of psychological as well physical to help the patients. However, the psychological well-being of these professionals is being affected by factors such as the lack of fixed working hours, prolonged standing, shift work and additional administrative tasks which they perform. Prolonged exposure adds to burnout in their work life. Objective: The objective of the present study was to examine burnout and coping styles among healthcare workers in India. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, and participants who were working in the healthcare setup were contacted (N = 100). They were assessed on the professional quality of life scale and the COPE scale. Result and Conclusion: Overall, a moderate level of burnout was reported (M = 21.98, SD = 3.13) among healthcare professionals. Also, problem-focused coping styles were observed among the participants, i.e., ‘planning coping’ (M = 13.22, SD = 1.63), ‘active coping’ (M = 12.90, SD = 1.53), and ‘suppression of competing activities’ (M = 11.02, SD = 1.89). a significant relationship was observed between burnout and coping styles (r = -.24, p&lt;0.05). The findings suggest that burnout exists among healthcare professionals which needs to be taken care of with interventional strategies.

Psycho-Social impact of Covid-2019 on Work-Life Balance of Health Care Workers in India:

Innumerable studies related to COVID-19 carried out across the globe have demonstrated that HCWs worked in stressful and difficult socio-economic environments and, therefore, had a disturbed work-life balance. However, negligible efforts have been made to analyze the factors that impacted it. In order to investigate this phenomenon, a cross-sectional study was undertaken utilizing data obtained directly from a sample of 799 healthcare workers (HCWs) employed in eight hospitals who were actively working throughout the period spanning from April 2020 to March 2022 within the COVID-19 pandemic. Five latent variables, namely, Psychological Stress (PS), Socio-Economic Impact (SEI), Interpersonal Relationships (IPRs), Government Intervention (GI) and Work-Life Balance (WLB), have been developed using a self-designed questionnaire with separate sections for each of them. A comprehensive structural model to determine the variables influencing WLB is estimated using PLS-SEM. The mediating role of IPR in the relationship between PS and WLB is investigated, and the moderating effect of two variables on WLB, 'Government intervention' and 'whether a worker is affected by COVID or not', has been examined. T-test and ANOVA techniques are also applied to examine the impact of these variables across different socio-demographic characteristics. Our findings indicate that variables PS and SEI negatively impact WLB whereas IPRs have positively impacted it. Government intervention, however, did not exhibit any significant impact on it. Further, IPRs partially mediated the relationship between PS and WLB. The role of government is completely non-significant in moderating the relationships of PS and SEI with WLB. A healthcare professional affected by COVID significantly moderated the mediating relationship between PS and IPR and the direct relationship between IPR and WLB. Subsequently, it favourably affected the WLB of HCWs. Our study recommends that the government and hospital authorities should strengthen the resilience-building interventions and expand their efforts to provide social support to HCWs at the hospital and community levels. Concerted actions must be taken to preserve HCWs' work-life balance amidst the challenging circumstances they face, especially during the pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers and Job Loss From a Gender Perspective in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant stress and anxiety among the general population and healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. India is one of the countries severely impacted by the pandemic. This review explores the gender perspective of mental health conditions among HCWs and job loss during the pandemic in India. Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for articles published till March 2021. Studies that reported the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and worry among HCWs in India during the pandemic and job loss in both males and females due to COVID-19 were included. We used a random-effects model to estimate pooled prevalence rates with 95% CIs. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. The meta-analysis included 11 studies; the pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and worry among HCWs was 34.9% (95%CI 27.33, 42.47), 35.4% (95%CI 24.46, 46.33), 32.9% (95%CI 25.43, 40.37), and 42.87% (95%CI 25.83, 59.91), respectively. The pooled prevalence of job loss due to COVID-19 was 16.6% (95%CI 8.34, 19.66). We employed meta-regression and Egger's regression for publication bias. The meta-analysis findings suggest that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and worry among HCWs in India during COVID-19 was high. Furthermore, job loss due to COVID-19 has also been prevalent in India. These findings emphasize the need for mental health support for HCWs and those who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. It is essential to prioritize mental health and job creation policies in India to support individuals affected by COVID-19.

Perception and practices on COVID-19 vaccination and booster dose acceptability among health-care workers - A questionnaire-based study.

To assess the perception and practices on COVID-19 vaccination and to determine the predictors of booster dose acceptability among health-care workers (HCWs) in South India. We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey on the perception and practices on COVID-19 vaccination and booster dose acceptability among the HCWs in South India. We prepared an online self-administered validated questionnaire, and the Google form link to it was circulated from March 28, 2022 to April 27, 2022, in the social media groups of the HCWs. We used binary logistic regression to identify the predictors of booster dose acceptability among HCWs. Overall, we obtained 572 valid responses, of which the majority were from paramedical workers compared to doctors. Most of the respondents were unmarried females aged <30 years. Around 31.6% had been previously diagnosed with COVID-19. About 97.9%, 88.8%, and 12.6% of the participants have taken the first, second, and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, respectively. Among the respondents, 19.7% refused to take the booster dose. The main reason for booster dose refusal is the belief that two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are sufficient to confer disease protection. Believing vaccination to be one of the most effective measures in COVID-19 prevention and being doctors by profession were the chief predictors of booster dose acceptance among HCWs. While the uptake of the primary COVID-19 vaccination series was commendable among Indian HCWs, booster dose was taken only by a minority of them.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers in India: A Mixed-methods Systematic Review.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of HCWs in India. We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review, which adopts a results-based convergent approach that incorporates quantitative and qualitative data. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in relevant databases: PubMed-Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ProQuest. All available full-text studies in the English language that assessed the mental health outcomes (anxiety, stress, and depression) of HCWs during the pandemic and published until 28 February 2022 were included. A total of 31 studies were included in this review (27 quantitative studies, three qualitative studies, and one mixed-method study). The pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among HCWs in India was 32.96%, 29.49%, and 33.47%, respectively. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings using social determinants of health framework resulted in various contributing factors and coping strategies. There is a need for a supportive work environment, mental health support, and mental health policies for HCWs in India.

Exploring Psychological and Socio-Economic Impact of Covid 2019 on Healthcare Workers in India: Evidence from Delhi-NCR Hospitals

The prevalence and severity of Covid 2019 has brought to light new vulnerabilities of Health Care Workers (HCWs) in their working conditions, social protection, and occupational safety and mental health. In view of this, our paper aimed to provide comprehensive analysis of psychological stress, socio-economic impact, government intervention, interpersonal relations, work-life balance, and coping strategies of HCWs during the pandemic time in India. Based on data collected physically from 606 HCWs working in seven hospitals located in Delhi-NCR using structured questionnaires, six latent variables were constructed. T-test and ANOVA technique along with Post-hoc analysis was used to make comparisons and identify groups across which significant differences existed. Further, a two-group discriminant analysis was performed to find the variables that best discriminated between HCWs from private or public hospitals and medically or not-medically trained. Lastly, chi-squared (χ²) test was performed to examine the statistical association between coping strategies and few demographic characteristics. The results revealed that females and medically-trained HCWs were more psychologically stressed than their counterparts. Work-life-balance and interpersonal relations were found to be more disturbed among the medically-trained HCWs. Government regulations favourably affected the non-medically trained and HCWs with children and elderlies. Additionally, the impact of interpersonal relationships and work-life-balance was found to be adverse on permanent HCWs. Discriminant analysis showed that interpersonal relationships, followed by government intervention, work-life balance and socio-economic impact were the most important predictors between medically and non-medically trained HCWs. However, none of these factors discriminated between HCWs from private or public hospitals. Further, the preference patterns of coping strategies suggested that HCWs worked with an optimistic state of mind and adopted positive techniques. To make the healthcare system more resilient, it is strongly suggested that the government should play a key role during the times of pandemic, especially-encompassing females and financially stressed categories of HCWs.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells among female healthcare workers in India.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent progenitor cells that can be differentiated into a variety of specialized cell types. Menstrual blood, such as umbilical cord blood and bone marrow stem cells, is a rich source of MSCs with proliferative properties. This research was conducted to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual blood donation regarding menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) among female healthcare workers in India. A cross-sectional online and offline survey was conducted at the national level between 20 November 2021 and 10 March 2022. A self-constructed semi-structured questionnaire was distributed through Google Forms on various social media platforms. The questionnaire was self-administered, and data were collected using the purposive sampling technique. A total of 499 respondents completed the questionnaire. Nearly 49% of the respondents had adequate knowledge, 54% showed a positive attitude, and 45% reported adequate practices regarding menstrual blood donation and the usage of related products. The educational background, occupational status, and monthly income of the participants were found to be significantly associated with their attitude toward MenSCs. There is a need to promote interactive sessions on MenSCs among healthcare professionals in order to bridge the gap between general populations and the healthcare setting. Enhancing knowledge and awareness regarding the potential benefits of MenSCs would help in dissipating the age-old myths associated with menstruation and will benefit society as a whole.

Psychometric Properties of the Moral Injury Symptom Scale Among Indian Healthcare Professionals.

The spread of the novel coronavirus has led to a rise in morally conflicting situations for healthcare professionals. Doctors and nurses who were serving as frontline workers, require special attention to alleviate the long-lasting impact of the potentially morally injurious events. The current study aims to validate the Moral Injury Symptom Scale-Healthcare Professionals (MISS- HP) among Indian healthcare workers. The 10-item MISS was administered to 150 doctors and 150 nurses using the purposive sampling method. Firstly, reliability was assessed using internal consistency measure. Secondly, item discrimination index was assessed by calculating the point biserial correlation for each item. Cronbach alpha indicated high internal consistency (0.77). The point biserial correlation value for each item indicated good discrimination. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to replicate the factor structure. CFA results suggested a good fit to the data. In conclusion, MISS-HP is a reliable and valid tool to assess moral injury among Indian healthcare professionals in India.

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Health Care Workers in India

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 has been spread almost all over the world in the last two years, including in India. Vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19, and India has flagged the largest vaccination drive on 16 January 2021. Although public acceptance was varying, which can lead to non-acceptance. Aim &amp; Objective: To estimate an acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and its associated factors. Settings and Design: An analytical cross-sectional study among health care workers in India Methods &amp; Material: It was conducted using a validated, self-administrated online survey questionnaire, and data were analyzed using SPSS 23 version. The outcome variable was healthcare workers’ acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: A total of 450 HCWs participated, including 205(45.6%) women and 245(54.4%) men. A total of 270 (60%) subjects will accept vaccines, while 33.3% were unwilling to accept and wait for vaccines. Male gender (OR=3.14), being married and experienced (OR=11.49), vaccine effectiveness (OR=6.4), vaccine safety (OR=3.4), and past history (OR=2.28) were significantly associated. On applying logistic regression for associated factors, gender (B= -1.145, S.E.= 0.200, Wald 32.748), being married (B= -1.482, S.E.= 0.216, Wald 46.937), for experienced (B= -0.865, S.E.= 0.200, effectiveness (B= -1.856, S.E.= 0.245, Wald 57.431), Safety (B= -1.224, S.E.= 0.202, Wald 36.633) and past history (B= -0.357, S.E.= 0.248, Wald 2.071) found significant. Recommendation: Proper information is crucial and healthcare workers’ attitudes about vaccines are an important factor for acceptance and recommendation of the vaccine to the public for population-wide coverage.

Prospects and retrospects of occupational hazards amongst healthcare workers

Introduction and Aim: Several studies showed that exposed health care workers are prone to numerous workplace hazards. Safety measure implementation in high-income countries, mostly neutralize these risks. But in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), lack of resources and by-passing essential safety measures mostly increase the risk of occupational exposure to these hazards. This study attempts to map and synthesize the available research activities on occupational hazards among health care workers in India (LMIC) and to identify the research gaps and information policy. Methods: Amongst 190 female health care workers including nursing staff and other caregivers, this humble work attempts to quantify observational and/or experimental studies in various categories of different parameters namely, physical, physiological, biochemical, ergonomic and chronobiological aspects. Results: Several specific biological hazards including blood-borne pathogenic disease, psychological hazards (workplace violence, burn-out, job dissatisfaction), ergonomic hazards including musculo-skeletal disorders and chemical hazards including biochemical abnormalities (example, exposure to latex and anti-neoplastic drugs) were observed. Several unique cross-talks between parameters of different categories were observed. Implementation of risk reduction strategies was found to be sub-optimal. Conclusion: Most of the recorded hazards are of biological type (more than 52%). Occupational safety needs to become a priority public health issue for protection of health care workers in India and other LMICs. Much more research activities are needed to understand the magnitude and the cross-talks between different hazards of the concerned profession.

Challenges Faced by Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh, India

Healthcare workers are more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus since they are the first to be exposed to the illness, even if they have the necessary training and experience to minimize the impact of disease spread among themselves and in the community. In this study, we have explored the preparedness of healthcare workers during threats of infectious disease outbreak in Prayagraj district.&#x0D; The study aims to outline the challenges faced by healthcare workers in India during COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; A survey-based quantitative study among healthcare professionals of a secondary and a tertiary care hospital for a duration of 4 months was conducted. The census sampling method was used for completing this research in this all the healthcare workers of both the hospitals considered. The data was carefully examined and was exported to IBM SPSS version 28.&#x0D; The study revealed that the healthcare workers indicated that they had to cope with mental health issues and a widespread PPE shortage. Furthermore, it was also found that the HCW suggested that the government should allow more entities to conduct and produce tests and should provide centralized communication and public information to help them prepare for future infectious disease outbreaks.&#x0D; The findings reflect on the difficulties faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This implies that there is a need to support the healthcare workers with adequate PPEs and supplies. Furthermore, it is necessary to provide a supportive environment to the healthcare workers to help them cope with the mental pressure that arises during outbreaks like COVID-19.