BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Ensuring the total well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs), including their mental health and psychological well-being, is an essential aspect in the delivery of patient care and the preservation of the health workforce. This study aimed to determine the level of mental well-being and emotional state of HCWs in terms of depression, anxiety, and stress using the DASS-21 scale in a tertiary government hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and to identify the job-related factors that may be associated with these outcomes.

This is an analytical, cross-sectional study among HCWs involved in direct patient care in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted from February to March 2022 through an online self-administered questionnaire, which included the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire (DCSQ), and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). This was sent to doctors, nurses, and allied medical workers actively working in the clinical areas. All responses were collected and analyzed.

Three hundred sixty-four healthcare workers were included in the study. Majority were single (62.62%), living with immediate family (50.82%), and working in a COVID-designated area (62.09%). High prevalence of depression (49.18%), anxiety (61.54%), and stress (30.22%) was found among the HCWs. Work in high infection/COVID-designated areas was significantly associated with anxiety and stress, and high-job demand was significantly associated with all three mental health states compared to low job-demand.

Focus should be placed on modifying the condition of high job demand among healthcare workers working in hospitals. This includes ensuring optimum staffing levels and patient to HCW ratio which avoids HCWs from being subjected to high workloads and time pressures that subsequently increase risk for stress, anxiety, and depression.

OBJECTIVES

While many healthcare workers (HCWs) contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic, more information is needed to fully understand the potential for adverse health effects in this population segment. The aim of the present study is to examine the association between healthcare worker status and neurologic and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 infected inpatients.

Using the nationwide database provided by the retrospective cohort Philippine CORONA study, we extracted relevant data and performed a secondary analysis primarily focusing on the presentation and outcomes of healthcare workers. Propensity score matching in a 3:1 ratio was performed to match HCWs and non-HCWs. We performed multiple logistic and Cox regression analyses to determine the relationship between HCWs and COVID-19 clinical outcomes.

We included 3,362 patients infected with COVID-19; of which, 854 were HCWs. Among the HCWs, a total of 31 (3.63%) and 45 (5.27%) had the primary outcomes of in-hospital mortality and respiratory failure, respectively. For both overall and 3:1 propensity-matched cohorts, being an HCW significantly decreased the odds of the following outcomes: severe/critical COVID-19 at nadir; in-hospital mortality; respiratory failure; intensive care unit admission; and hospital stay >14 days.

We found that being an HCW is not associated with worse neurologic and clinical outcomes among patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between work stress and dysglycemia among healthcare workers engaged in shift work at a level 1 government hospital in Antipolo City, Philippines.

Work stress was assessed using the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Questionnaire, and dysglycemia was measured through a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

A total of 126 healthcare workers aged 20–55 years participated Results showed that 65.1% of participants experienced work stress, with nurses reporting the highest prevalence (43.9%). Dysglycemia was present in 33.3% of participants, predominantly in the form of impaired glucose tolerance. Despite the high prevalence of both work stress and obesity (61.9%), no statistically significant associations were found between work stress and dysglycemia (p = .51), gender and work stress (p = .59), occupation and work stress (p = .059), or obesity and dysglycemia (p = .70).

The findings suggest that while work stress is common among healthcare workers, especially nurses, it may not directly predict dysglycemia in relatively young and active populations. However, the long-term metabolic risks associated with chronic occupational stress should not be overlooked. Future longitudinal studies with larger samples are recommended to better assess causality and guide workplace wellness programs.

BACKGROUND

This study explored the indigenous knowledge practiced by the traditional Panday in the care of pregnant Meranaw mothers during intrapartum care and how it is perceived by the midwives and the mothers. In analyzing their perspectives, qualitative method of research known as descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. The study gathered insights from 51 individuals.

Data collection methods included interview and observations through thematic content analysis. Four themes emerged: traditional Panday, practices in intrapartum care, midwives' perceptions of traditional Panday, reasons for home births among mothers, and suggested policies and programs for traditional Panday, and mothers.

Data revealed that most traditional Panday, exhibit satisfactory intrapartum care practices, which closely resemble those used in hospitals, indicating their capability to conduct safe home births. Some traditional Panday, demonstrate remarkable skills, such as identifying fetal position and even turning breech babies into the cephalic position during critical labor stages. The integration of herbal methods and Islamic practices, such as the recitation of Azan to the baby's ear, further distinguishes their approach. Regarding midwives' perspectives, opinions varied, with some viewing traditional Panday, as dependable partners, while others perceive them as threats to maternal safety. However, most midwives advocate for finding solutions and improving access to care rather than viewing traditional Panday, as obstacles.

Mothers' preference for home births is attributed to factors such as comfort, privacy, and financial considerations. Traditional Panday, are valued for their modest fees and cultural sensitivity, as they prioritize the well-being and modesty of women in their care.

Contraceptive Agents ; Health Personnel ; Primary Health Care ; Philippines

Background and Objectives: Ensuring the total well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs), including their mental health and psychological well-being, is an essential aspect in the delivery of patient care and the preservation of the health workforce. This study aimed to determine the level of mental well-being and emotional state of HCWs in terms of depression, anxiety, and stress using the DASS-21 scale in a tertiary government hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and to identify the job-related factors that may be associated with these outcomes. Methods: This is an analytical, cross-sectional study among HCWs involved in direct patient care in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted from February to March 2022 through an online self-administered questionnaire, which included the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire (DCSQ), and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). This was sent to doctors, nurses, and allied medical workers actively working in the clinical areas. All responses were collected and analyzed. Results: Three hundred sixty-four healthcare workers were included in the study. Majority were single (62.62%), living with immediate family (50.82%), and working in a COVID-designated area (62.09%). High prevalence of depression (49.18%), anxiety (61.54%), and stress (30.22%) was found among the HCWs. Work in high infection/COVID-designated areas was significantly associated with anxiety and stress, and high-job demand was significantly associated with all three mental health states compared to low job-demand. Conclusion Focus should be placed on modifying the condition of high job demand among healthcare workers working in hospitals. This includes ensuring optimum staffing levels and patient to HCW ratio which avoids HCWs from being subjected to high workloads and time pressures that subsequently increase risk for stress, anxiety, and depression.
Mental Health ; Depression ; Anxiety ; Health Personnel ; COVID-19

Objectives: While many healthcare workers (HCWs) contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic, more information is needed to fully understand the potential for adverse health effects in this population segment. The aim of the present study is to examine the association between healthcare worker status and neurologic and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 infected inpatients. Methods: Using the nationwide database provided by the retrospective cohort Philippine CORONA study, we extracted relevant data and performed a secondary analysis primarily focusing on the presentation and outcomes of healthcare workers. Propensity score matching in a 3:1 ratio was performed to match HCWs and non-HCWs. We performed multiple logistic and Cox regression analyses to determine the relationship between HCWs and COVID-19 clinical outcomes. Results: We included 3,362 patients infected with COVID-19; of which, 854 were HCWs. Among the HCWs, a total of 31 (3.63%) and 45 (5.27%) had the primary outcomes of in-hospital mortality and respiratory failure, respectively. For both overall and 3:1 propensity-matched cohorts, being an HCW significantly decreased the odds of the following outcomes: severe/critical COVID-19 at nadir; in-hospital mortality; respiratory failure; intensive care unit admission; and hospital stay >14 days. Conclusion We found that being an HCW is not associated with worse neurologic and clinical outcomes among patients hospitalized for COVID-19.
Health Personnel ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Cohort Studies

Background: Patients who had severe COVID-19 infection were thought to be one of the factors affecting the suitability of work capacity. Functional capacity can be measured by 6-minute walking test (6MWT). Some particular jobs have a minimum functional capacity to be met. Objectives: The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between severity of COVID-19 infection and work capacity among post-infected healthcare workers in the National Referral Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study among healthcare workers who had COVID-19 infection from June to July 2021, and had undergone functional capacity examination from September to November 2021 was conducted. Data processing was carried out by collecting data from medical records of infected healthcare workers. Bivariate analysis statistic test was done to determine the association between degree of severity and work capacity. Determination of the suitability of work capacity was done by comparing the results of the functional capacity examination with the minimum estimated matabolic equivalents (METs) needs of workers. Results A total of 102 employees data from ages 25 to 58 years were collected. The result showed that 81 employees had unsuitable work capacity with most of them coming from the mild infected group (83.3%). Conclusion. There is no significant relationship (p>0.05) between age, gender, BMI, sequelae, comorbidities, and degree of severity of COVID-19 infection and work capacity among healthcare workers. Even though there is no signficant relationship between severity of COVID-19 and work capacity, this research shows there are more than 50% post-infected healthcare workers who have unsuitable work capacity.
COVID-19 ; Health Personnel

Objective: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an often overlooked population in the face of a pandemic. With the myriad of researches focusing on the effect of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on patients, this study aimed to illuminate the emotions, stressors and stress coping mechanisms of medical frontliners from the Department of Pediatrics working in Philippine General Hospital. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was done among 130 HCWs ages 21-55 years old, mostly females (72%), recruited through convenience sampling. An adapted questionnaire from China was used and data were analyzed using means, T-test and Anova. Results: Results showed that HCWs predominantly felt a high sense of professional and ethical duty towards their jobs. Stressors include fear of transmitting the virus to their family and the shortage of manpower, while stressrelievers include knowing that their family are safe and having a good relationship with colleagues. Coping strategies include the use of personal protective measures and the hope of cure motivates them to continue working. Seeking psychiatric help is interestingly one of the least important motivational factors. Nurses, fellows, and residents significantly differ in responses about their feelings, stress-relievers, and coping strategies. Conclusion HCWs are a vulnerable population since they endure multiple stressors but they are idealistic and resilient, hence the hospital should give adequate financial compensation and provide good work-life balance.
Health Personnel ; COVID-19

Objectives: This study aims to determine the healthcare workers’ (HCWs) attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) at the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a validated online survey. Results: The study included 288 healthcare workers, predominantly female (77.35% ) and aged 31-40 years (47.74%), with physicians being the largest professional group (57.14%). HCWs had positive attitudes toward AMS. They perceived moderate to high antimicrobial resistance (AMR) levels in different contexts but believed the hospital had lower AMR levels than the country. HCWs agreed that AMR impacts antimicrobial choices, patient outcomes, and safety. Contributors to AMR were prescribing inappropriate antimicrobials, unnecessary prescriptions, poor patient adherence, and inadequate infection control measures. HCWs, except medical technologists, were aware of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) and its interventions. Only nurses and pharmacists were aware of the hospital policies against AMR. Barriers to AMS implementation include inadequate training in antimicrobial use, lack of infectious disease/ microbiology services, lack of electronic medication management services, and personnel shortages. HCWs had high self-reported AMS practices, but a practice gap in single-dose surgical antibiotic prophylaxis was identified, with low physician adherence (50.6%). Conclusion This study revealed positive attitudes and high self-reported AMS practices among HCWs. They also perceived moderate to high AMR in different contexts but believed that the hospital has lower AMR levels than the country. Addressing the identified barriers to implementation and practice gaps is crucial for achieving antimicrobial stewardship goals.
Antimicrobial Stewardship ; Viperidae ; Health Personnel