Health-seeking behaviors and associated factors in individuals with substance use disorders at Chainama Hills College Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Delivering specialized and top-tier psychiatric care necessitates an intricate and well-thought-out plan focusing on the safety and security of both healthcare professionals and patients. In the realm of mental health, particularly in specialized clinics and hospitals where patients may require admission and intricate treatment plans, the safety and security of the healthcare environment are paramount. It is crucial to ensure the comprehensive and tailored protection of mental health workers, particularly those operating in shift patterns. A well-devised strategy can significantly enhance the overall safety and security within a healthcare facility, potentially streamlining operational costs while minimizing both immediate and long-term risks associated with breaches in safety and security protocols. The aim of this research was to bolster safety and security protocols within mental health treatment establishments by identifying and addressing operational hurdles faced by ancillary mental health staff. To achieve this, the study implemented the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, a cornerstone methodology in quality management systems. The PDSA cycle’s pragmatic ethos encourages a methodical, iterative approach to integrating new methodologies into any process, particularly those aiming to elevate security and safety standards. This model was specifically employed to refine the functioning of the security and safety department at a private mental health facility in Lusaka, Zambia. The anticipated outcome is that this approach will not only safeguard the immediate and future well-being of healthcare personnel and patients but also foster a holistic and efficient operational environment for mental healthcare services.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optimizing Patient Safety and Security Management in Zambian Mental Health Facility: A PDSA Quality Improvement Study

Tsarkov,

Fernandez,

Ribeiro

et al. 2024

The Psychological Impact and Associated Factors of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Providers at Chainama Psychiatry Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Musonda,

Petlovanyi,

Tsarkov

et al. 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious psychological consequences for healthcare providers at a higher risk of exposure to heavy workloads and a high-risk environment. Healthcare providers on the front lines, involved in diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients with COVID-19, were particularly vulnerable to developing psychological distress and other mental health symptoms, including emotional disturbance. Objective: In response to this critical situation, this study aims to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 and associated factors on healthcare providers at Chainama Hills College Hospital (CHCH) in Lusaka, Zambia. The findings of this study may inform interventions and support programs to mitigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare providers and improve their overall well-being. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in a hospital setting using a self-administered questionnaire survey between August 1st and 10th, 2021. A total of 194 healthcare providers were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The survey used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess the psychological well-being of the participants. Results: Our study findings indicate that healthcare providers are experiencing a high level of stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a Stress score of 92.0, which is considered significant under the circumstances. Additionally, the healthcare providers exhibited mild levels of depression and anxiety, with DASS-21 scores of 13.0 and 12, respectively. These findings were at a 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of prioritizing the well-being of healthcare providers. With the heightened demands and stressors associated with caring for patients during a pandemic, we must prioritize the mental and physical health needs of healthcare providers. Providing adequate support, resources, and attention to the well-being of healthcare providers can help to prevent burnout, reduce turnover, and improve patient outcomes. By recognizing the importance of caring for our healthcare providers, we can help to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare services during such challenging times.

Binge Drinking Among African International Students Who are Studying and Living in China: An Emerging Concern

Ng'uni,

Petlovanyi,

Tsarkov

et al. 2023

Binge drinking poses a growing concern, particularly among higher education students, with a notable impact on Black African students in China. This cross-sectional study employed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to survey 370 students aged 18 to 45 in a prominent Chinese educational institution. Results indicated that 18.5% refrained from alcohol, while 61% exhibited low-risk use, 18.5% displayed hazardous use, and 5% showed harmful use. Notably, 38% of low-risk students consumed more than two drinks on occasion, and 35% had more than six drinks in a single instance. Given the evident issue of alcohol misuse, it is imperative to implement educational interventions and legislative measures to control the availability of alcohol.