Challenges of epidemiological investigation work in the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of the epidemiology workforce in Guangdong Province, China

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study sought to identify the epidemiological investigation challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and offer insights into the underlying issues.DesignAn exploratory qualitative study used thematic analysis of semistructured and in-depth individual interviews.SettingThis study was conducted in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Guangdong Province.ParticipantsTwenty-four participants consented to participate in an in-depth interview. Transcribed recordings were managed using NVivo software and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThe qualitative analysis revealed five key themes: high-intensity epidemiological investigation task, emergency management requiring improvement in the early stage, respondent uncertainty, impact on work and social life and inadequate early-stage Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism.ConclusionThis survey focuses on the epidemiology workforce at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic and qualitatively describes their experiences, vocational issues and psychological stressors. We found that the problems of epidemiological investigation posed intense challenges to the epidemiology workforce. These findings highlight the epidemiological investigation challenges associated with this pandemic. We have provided some suggestions that may help improve the efficiency and quality of the epidemiology workforce in China.

Analysis of differentially expressed genes in individuals with noninfectious uveitis based on data in the gene expression omnibus database

“…An epidemiological survey of uveitis in 8952 people over 40 years of age in Hengli Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China, suggested that the prevalence of uveitis was 904 per 100,000 individuals, and NIU accounting for 81.5% of the cases. [15] The clinical manifestations of NIU include red eyes, pain, and blurred vision. Vision loss often occurs if the lesions involve the choroid, retina, and macula.…”