ArticlePloS one2021
Comprehensive occupational health services for healthcare workers in Zimbabwe during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Article in PloS one, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 12 papers.
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Who cites it
12 citing papers in PubMed.
- Effect of data-collection method on reporting of common mental disorder symptoms and intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe: a cluster-randomized trial.International journal of epidemiology · 2026Trial
- Strengthening TB infection control and its impact on TB screening practices among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Zimbabwe.International journal of infection prevention · 2026Article
- Quantifying capacity of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in Zimbabwe.Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology · 2025Article
- Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its control measures on women and children: a Zimbabwean case study.Frontiers in public health · 2025Article
- Barriers to and facilitators of linkage to care following hypertension and diabetes screening among health workers in Zimbabwe: A mixed method study.PLOS global public health · 2025Article
- Tackling syndemics by integrating infectious and noncommunicable diseases in health systems of low- and middle-income countries: A narrative systematic review.PLOS global public health · 2024Article
- "Getting pregnant during COVID-19 was a big risk because getting help from the clinic was not easy": COVID-19 experiences of women and healthcare providers in Harare, Zimbabwe.PLOS global public health · 2024Article
- Prevalence of chronic conditions and multimorbidity among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe: Results from a screening intervention.PLOS global public health · 2024Article
- Exploring COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe: A mixed methods study.medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences · 2023Article
- Exploring COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe: A mixed methods study.PLOS global public health · 2023Article
- Article
- Psychological distress among healthcare workers accessing occupational health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe.Comprehensive psychiatry · 2022Article
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Authors and funding
19 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundHealthcare workers are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. In low- and middle- income countries, they may be particularly impacted by underfunded health systems, lack of personal protective equipment, challenging working conditions and barriers in accessing personal healthcare.
methodsIn this cross-sectional study, occupational health screening was implemented at the largest public sector medical centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, during the "first wave" of the country's COVID-19 epidemic. Clients were voluntarily screened for symptoms of COVID-19, and if present, offered a SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection assay. In addition, measurement of height, weight, blood pressure and HbA1c, HIV and TB testing, and mental health screening using the Shona Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ-14) were offered. An interviewer-administered questionnaire ascertained client knowledge and experiences related to COVID-19.
resultsBetween 27th July and 30th October 2020, 951 healthcare workers accessed the service; 210 (22%) were tested for SARS-CoV-2, of whom 12 (5.7%) tested positive. Clients reported high levels of concern about COVID-19 which declined with time, and faced barriers including lack of resources for infection prevention and control. There was a high prevalence of largely undiagnosed non-communicable disease: 61% were overweight or obese, 34% had a blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or above, 10% had an HbA1c diagnostic of diabetes, and 7% had an SSQ-14 score consistent with a common mental disorder. Overall 8% were HIV-positive, with 97% previously diagnosed and on treatment.
conclusionsCases of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers mirrored the national epidemic curve. Implementation of comprehensive occupational health services during a pandemic was feasible, and uptake was high. Other comorbidities were highly prevalent, which may be risk factors for severe COVID-19 but are also important independent causes of morbidity and mortality. Healthcare workers are critical to combatting COVID-19; it is essential to support their physical and psychological wellbeing during the pandemic and beyond.
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