Abrupt introduction of distance learning during the covid­19 pandemic: What psychological impact on teachers?

As soon as the COVID 19 , the Moroccan education ministry decided to adopt distance learning (DL). Our target was to study the psychological impact of DL on Moroccan teachers during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Among %, and the average age was 41.1±11.5 years. 79.1% participated in DL, 58.8% were required to acquire DL tools and 71.6% had never received DL training. Between the start and the end of confinement, we noticed a decrease in the motivation of teachers.36.2% had definite depressive symptomatology and 41.3% had certain anxiety symptomatology with a significant predominance in women. The frequencies of depression and anxiety were higher in those who had participated in DL, but the association was not significant. Depression was significantly frequent among teachers who were obliged to acquire tools to practice DL P=0.02, those who had never received training DL P=0.046, and those who were not satisfied with the situation P=0.03. We didn't find a direct association between DL and anxiety and depression, which the small sample size may explain, but we did find an association with the variables related to DL

Knowledge and practices surrounding outbreaks and COVID-19 among community health workers in rural Rwanda: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study

Introduction: Community Health Workers (CHW) are a critical resource for outbreak preparedness and response. However, CHWs´ ability to respond to outbreaks depends on their accurate knowledge of the disease and proper adoption of disease prevention practices. We explored knowledge and practices related to outbreaks in general, and COVID-19 among CHWs in Rwanda. Methods: this cross-sectional multimethod study used stratified simple random sampling to recruit three cadres of CHWs (agents de santé maternelle, female Binomes, and male Binomes ) from three rural Rwandan districts. We used telephone-based data collection to administer quantitative surveys (N=292) and qualitative interviews (N=24) in September 2020. We calculated descriptive statistics and conducted thematic analysis of qualitative data. We assessed for associations between general outbreak-related knowledge and receipt of training using Chi-square tests and between COVID-19 related knowledge and CHW characteristics and adoption of prevention methods using linear regression models. Results: only 56.2% of CHWs had received training on any health topic in 12 months prior to COVID-19 pandemic and only 19.2% had specifically received training on outbreak preparedness. Almost all CHWs reported preventing COVID-19 by wearing facemasks (98%), washing hands (95%), and social distancing in crowds (89%) with fewer reporting staying at home (50%), sneezing or coughing into an elbow (38%) or using hand sanitizer (18%). Almost all CHWs in our study knew that COVID-19 transmit through respiratory droplets (98%) and by infected surfaces (98%) and that asymptomatic spread is possible (91%). However, fewer than half of community health workers correctly affirmed that children were at low risk of becoming severely ill (48%) and only 32% correctly rejected the misconception that everyone with COVID-19 would become severely ill. There was no association between COVID-19-related knowledge and adoption of COVID-19 preventative practices. Qualitative findings suggested that while CHWs possessed lots of correct information about COVID-19 and reported good adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices, they also commonly held misconceptions that over-exaggerated the dangers of COVID-19. Conclusion: gaps in knowledge, training, and access to information point to a need for additional investment in supervision and credible informational systems to support CHWs.

Assessment of challenges inhibiting effective delivery of health care services among frontline Professional health workers during COVID 19 Lock down in Nigeria

This is a cross-sectional survey of challenges inhibiting health care service provision during COVID 19 lockdown. Data collected with a pretested online self-administered questionnaire included age, gender, occupation, place of practice, physical distance practices, utilization of telemedicine, income and other concerns that may have inhibited their practices during the COVID 19 lockdown. Data were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Chi square goodness of fit test was used to analyze the association between means and qualitative variables. Results: Response rate from 599 questionnaires was 481 (78%) with physiotherapists (n=108, 23%); nurses (n=106, 22%); doctors (n=86, 18%); laboratory technicians (n=87, 18%) and pharmacists (n=94, 19%); in public sector (n=318, 66%) and private practitioners (n=163, 34%). During the "lockdown" patients interacting with health professionals in private practice decreased except increases for laboratory technicians (11.91%) and pharmacists (68.35%). Social distancing was feasible by pharmacists and laboratory technicians, but interactions by nurses, physiotherapists and doctors were compromised. Telemedicine was used mostly by doctors (n=42, 48.8%), and physiotherapists (n=50, 46.3%). Health professionals experienced mental stress 428 (89%); anxiety 176 (37%); feared infection 333 (69%) and 232 (48%) of transmitting to their families; 307 (64 %) had challenges with personal protective equipment. Suggestions were: alternate accommodation or longer shifts with less working days 111 (37%); a hazard allowance 244 (51%) and counseling 238 (49%). Conclusion: Private practitioners reported a loss of income with all health professionals indicating the "lockdown" and COVID-19 compromised health delivery, health services, and individuals' health. Health professionals suggested a hazard allowance, alternate accommodation, and dedicated counseling for health professionals during the pandemic.

Modelling COVID-19 vaccination status and adherence to public health and social measures, Eastern Mediterranean Region and Algeria

Objective: To study the link between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination status and adherence to public health and social measures in Members of the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Algeria. Methods: We analysed two rounds of a large, cross-country, repeated cross-sectional mobile phone survey in June­July 2021 and October­November 2021. The rounds included 14 287 and 14 131 respondents, respectively, from 23 countries and territories. Questions covered knowledge, attitudes and practices around COVID-19, and demographic, employment, health and vaccination status. We used logit modelling to analyse the link between self-reported vaccination status and individuals' practice of mask wearing, physical distancing and handwashing. We used propensity score matching as a robustness check. Findings: Overall, vaccinated respondents (8766 respondents in round 2) were significantly more likely to adhere to preventive measures than those who were unvaccinated (5297 respondents in round 2). Odds ratios were 1.5 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.3­1.8) for mask wearing; 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3­1.7) for physical distancing; and 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0­1.4) for handwashing. Similar results were found on analysing subsamples of low- and middle-income countries. However, in high-income countries, where vaccination coverage is high, there was no significant link between vaccination and preventive practices. The association between vaccination status and adherence to public health advice was sustained over time, even though self-reported vaccination coverage tripled over 5 months (19.4% to 62.3%; weighted percentages). Conclusion Individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 maintained their adherence to preventive health measures. Nevertheless, reinforcement of public health messages is important for the public's continued compliance with preventive measures.

Motivators and barriers for using E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic among students at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda

Background To continue delivering the courses despite school closure during the covid-19 pandemic, the University of Rwanda abruptly shifted its teaching from traditional physical to online teaching. This was the compulsory medium of teaching during the lockdown period. This sudden change did not allow for adequate preparation for students. Objectives To assess the preparation of learners to use the e-learning platform, and to explore the factors that enabled or inhibited learners' use of the e-learning platform. Method This was a cross-sectional quantitative research design study done between June and July 2020. An online questionnaire was sent to all students registered in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences for the academic year 2019-2020. Results A total of 446 students completed the questionnaire. Students reported not being adequately oriented and unprepared to effectively use e-learning. Students were motivated to use e-learning when the learning objectives were clear, interactive, with engaging materials. Inadequate e-learning infrastructure, limited access to internet connectivity and inadequate devices were identified as the strongest barriers of using e-learning. Conclusion The covid-19 pandemic has brought a transformational opportunity to embrace a blended learning approach. To sustain such a transformation, proper and timely planning and strategies need to be invested.

Student perceptions of an online surgical teaching programme during the COVID-19 pandemic at the University of KwaZulu-Natal: A short report

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented global health crisis, with impacts on many facets of the health system, including lack of access to regular training wards and the need for social distancing, which posed particular challenges to undergraduate teaching. Objectives. To explore the perceptions of students of the online surgical programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Methods. An online survey was administered to 258 final-year students. Data were collected on student demographics, the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the teaching programme, engagement and learning from live Zoom sessions, overall perceptions about the module and general feedback on students' experience of the programme. Results. Most students (84%, 77/91) supported the need to change to the virtual programme. The module was perceived as well-structured (89%, 81/91). Most students (87%, 79/91) regarded the online resource materials as beneficial. Analysis of open-ended responses showed that asynchronous delivery allowed students to review and revisit resources in their own time. Student challenges included poor internet connectivity, difficulty in concentrating where live sessions exceeded an hour, and lack of clinical exposure. Conclusion. Online teaching in medical education is a feasible option for remote learning. However, it cannot replace the benefits gained during clinical exposure. Findings from this study will help to set a benchmark for online surgical training at UKZN and develop best practices for blended teaching models. As we adapt to a new normal in the era of COVID-19, the disruptions and results of innovative teaching methods have the potential to change the future of medical education

Mapping urban physical distancing constraints, sub-Saharan Africa: a case study from Kenya

With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, public health measures such as physical distancing were recommended to reduce transmission of the virus causing the disease. However, the same approach in all areas, regardless of context, may lead to measures being of limited effectiveness and having unforeseen negative consequences, such as loss of livelihoods and food insecurity. A prerequisite to planning and implementing effective, context-appropriate measures to slow community transmission is an understanding of any constraints, such as the locations where physical distancing would not be possible. Focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, we outline and discuss challenges that are faced by residents of urban informal settlements in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We describe how new geospatial data sets can be integrated to provide more detailed information about local constraints on physical distancing and can inform planning of alternative ways to reduce transmission of COVID-19 between people. We include a case study for Nairobi County, Kenya, with mapped outputs which illustrate the intra-urban variation in the feasibility of physical distancing and the expected difficulty for residents of many informal settlement areas. Our examples demonstrate the potential of new geospatial data sets to provide insights and support to policy-making for public health measures, including COVID-19

Benefits, disadvantages and challenges of virtual conferencing in the COVID-19 era: Adjusting to the new normal

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous effect on the medical and scientific community. Measures instituted to curb the spread of the disease such as physical distancing and ban on large gatherings have significantly altered conferencing activities of medical professional associations. With no end in sight to the pandemic, it is certain that medical professional associations may have to make do with purely virtual or hybrid conferencing for some time to come. The objective of this paper is to highlight the benefits, disadvantages and challenges of virtual conferencing Methods: We searched Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and AJOL databases from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 for publications describing the benefits, disadvantages and challenges of virtual conferencing during the pandemic. This, together with authors' experience formed the resource base for this work. Conclusion: We propose ways the scientific community in Nigeria can maximize the virtual conferencing while the pandemic lasts. We also advocate increased discussion about how to improve the virtual conferencing culture and the development of guidelines for purely virtual or hybrid scientific conferences

Objectif de l'étude: La pandémie de COVID-19 a eu un effet considérable sur la communauté médicale et scientifique. Les mesures instituées pour freiner la propagation de la maladie, telles que l'éloignement physique et l'interdiction des grands rassemblements, ont considérablement modifié les activités de conférence des associations professionnelles médicales. Sans fin en vue de la pandémie, il est certain que les associations professionnelles médicales devront se contenter de conférences purement virtuelles ou hybrides pendant un certain temps encore. L'objectif de cet article est de mettre en évidence les avantages, les inconvénients et les défis de la conférence virtuelle. Méthodes de l'étude : Nous avons effectué des recherches dans les bases de données Pubmed, Embase, Scopus et AJOL du 1er janvier 2021 au 31 décembre 2021 pour trouver des publications décrivant les avantages, les inconvénients et les défis des conférences virtuelles pendant la pandémie. Ceci, combiné à l'expérience des auteurs, a constitué la base de ressources pour ce travail. Conclusion : Nous proposons des moyens pour que la communauté scientifique du Nigéria puisse maximiser les conférences virtuelles pendant la durée de la pandémie. Nous préconisons également une discussion accrue sur la manière d'améliorer la culture des conférences virtuelles et l'élaboration de lignes directrices pour les conférences scientifiques purement virtuelles ou hybrides

Lessons from COVID-19 pandemic: teaching midwifery at the national level in Sierra Leone in the pandemic and post pandemic

The contents of this article are drawn from personal experiences and National response by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation during the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of teaching in a midwifery training school. Teaching Midwifery in COVID-19 Pandemic and Post Pandemic periods impacted on the way student midwives were taught. Contextual issues are highlighted during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Midwifery Education profession. But more speciacally, the impact of Covid-19 on midwifery education basically around the way students were taught, classroom spacing rearrangement and institutionalizing national protocols and guidelines on prevention of COVID-19 spread among staff and students.

Spatial variation and level of compliance on COVID-19 prevention strategies in Amhara region, Ethiopia: observational survey

Background: The novel Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019. In Ethiopia, The COVID-19 pandemic was expanding geopgraphically overtime. Understanding the spatial variation of the pandemic and the level of compliances towards COVID-19 prevention strategies is important to guide focused prevention and control efforts. Aim: This study aimed to explore the level of compliance and spatial variation in COVID-19 prevention strategies in major cities and towns in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods: A community based observational survey was conducted from June 25 to August 10, 2020, in 16 selected cities and towns of the Amhara region. The level of compliance with hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask utilization as per the WHO recommendations were observed from 6,002 individuals and 346 transport services. Getis-Ord Gi* statistics were used to identify hot spot areas with a low level of compliance with COVID19 preventive strategies. Spatial interpolation was performed to predict the level of compliance for un-sampled areas in the region. Results: The practice of hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask utilization were 12.0%, 13% and 26%, respectively. COVID-19 prevention strategies were found to be spacially non-random in Amhara region (Global Moran's I = 0.23, z-score = 9.5, P-value < 0.001). Poor (Hot Spot Areas) COVID-19 Prevention practices were spatially clustered at Northern Amhara (Metema, Gondar, and Woghemira town) and Western Amhara (Moarkos, Enjibara, And Bahir Dar town).Southern (Shewa Robit, and Kemissie Twon) and Eastern (Dessie, Kombolcha, Wolidiya, and Kobo) parts of the Amhara region were spatially clustered as cold spots (better practice) for COVID19 prevention strategies. With regards to the practice of COVID19 prevention strategies, practices were low in northern and northwestern parts of the region ( 5%), whereas this was found to be much higher in the southern part of the region (41%). Conclusion: The level of compliance with regards to hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask utilization exhibit spatial variation across the region. Continuous community-based education using different modalities are necessary to increase the practice of hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask utilization