Psychosocial impact of the implementation of COVID-19 protocols

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally since the first case was diagnosed in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and we are now experiencing the fourth wave. Several measures are being taken to care for the infected and to curtail the spread of this novel infectious virus. The psychosocial impact of these measures on patients, relatives, caregivers, and medical personnel also needs to be assessed and catered for. METHODS: This is a review article on the psychosocial impact of the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. The literature search was done using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline. DISCUSSION: Modalities of transportation of the patient to isolation and quarantine centres have led to stigma and negative attitudes towards such individuals. When diagnosed with the infection, fear of dying from COVID-19, fear of infecting family members and close associates, fear of stigmatization, and loneliness are common among COVID-19 patients. Isolation and quarantine procedures also cause loneliness and depression, and the person is at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. Caregivers are continually stressed out and have the constant fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2. Despite clear guidelines to help with closure for family members of people dying from COVID-19, inadequate resources make this unrealistic. CONCLUSION: Mental and emotional distress resulting from fear of SARS-Cov-2 infection, the mode of transmission, and consequences have a tremendous negative impact on the psychosocial well-being of those affected, their caregivers, and relatives. There is a need for the government, health institutions, and NGOs to establish platforms to cater to these concerns

Quality of life among persons living with HIV infection in Ibadan, Nigeria

HIV infection is a major factor in the deteriorating quality of life particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently; the HIV prevalence in Nigeria is 4.4with wide variation across the states. Though much data exist on the socio-economic aspects of HIV/AIDS; information on quality of life of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is still scanty. Therefore; this study focused on socio-psychological investigation of the quality of life of PLWHAs in Ibadan; Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design and was conducted in three care support centres in Ibadan. Using systematic random sampling technique; 514 PLWHAs were selected. A triangulation of methods was employed using pre-tested structured questionnaire; fifteen Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and six in-.depth interviews. The Health Belief Model complemented with the Quality of Life Tree guided the investigation. Quality Of Life was measured using the ''HIV Symptom Scale'' (HSS) and the ''Quality Of Life Scale'' (QOLS). Frequency distribution; percentages and chi-square were used to analyze quantitative data while content analysis was employed for qualitative data. The ages of the participants ranged from 15 -60years with a mean of 34.8(S.D 8.2). Sex distribution shows female preponderance with male: female ratio of 1:2. The data revealed poor quality of life among PLWHAs. There is no significant relationship between age and quality of life (P 0.05). Almost equal proportion of participants aged 15 - 34 years (50.3) and 35 -60 years (49.7) showed similar quality of life as indicated by emotional status; life satisfaction and level of coping with the infection. Majority (70.0) considered their poor financial condition a barrier to treatment. Qualitative data showed stigmatization and discrimination against PLWHAs by family and community members regardless of age and gender. This stimulated a deep feeling of sadness; dejection; hopelessness; anxiety and fear thereby affecting negatively their quality of life. However; majority of the participants (67.3) coped with the infection through life style adjustment (dedicating more time to religious activities and resorting to spiritual help; self coping mechanism of trying not to think about the problem) and psychosocial support from non-governmental organization support groups and faith-based organizations. Poor financial status of majority of PLWHA in Ibadan restricted their access to treatment and other care and services. Discrimination towards them by family; friends and the community affected negatively their quality of life. A combination of strategies - health education; psycho - social interventions is needed in addressing the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS