Comprehensive occupational health services for healthcare workers in Zimbabwe during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Healthcare 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.

Methods

In 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 Questionnai

SUBMITTER: Kavenga F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8610265 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature