ABSTRACT
Background: It is necessary to use accurate methods of calculating manpower to avoid wasting resources. Given that reproductive health services are an important part of primary health services, it would be useful to apply manpower calculation methods to service providers in related occupational groups. This study calculated the required midwifery manpower in healthcare centres using the Workload Indicator of Staffing Need (WISN) method. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 in 276 health centres in Tehran according to the WISN model, in which the list of activities related to reproductive health in the centres under the auspices of the University of Tehran was determined. The available working time, main workload components, and the activity standards (service standards and allowance standards) were determined through a mixed method (direct observation, comments of service providers, and meetings with experts). The volume of services provided over the period of one year prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic was estimated using national statistics. Finally, the required manpower was calculated and compared with the actual workforce. Results: The results showed that currently, Tehran health centres need 34 more staff to provide reproductive health services. The working pressure was calculated as 0.9, and the current allowance factor is 1.31. Based on observations, midwifery capacity is currently not fully and exclusively used. Conclusion: To improve the quality of reproductive health services, it is recommended to eliminate the current shortage of midwives, focus more on special midwifery tasks, and reduce the number of indirect activities of midwives. © 2022 UNISA, University of South Africa, Department of Advanced Nursing Sciences. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Health-care worker desire to receive coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccination can affect public perception and adoption of vaccination. The present study surveyed the health beliefs of health-care staff regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: In this cross-sectional online survey conducted in Iran between May and June 2021, 537 health-care staff (73.8% females) participated. Health-care staff were assessed on the following constructs: health locus of control, trust in the health-care system, subjective norms, fear of COVID-19, attitude and feelings toward vaccination, physical distancing, intention to engage in preventative behaviors, and perceived behavioral control. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the influence of demographic, clinical factors, fear of COVID-19, and health beliefs, in predicting openness toward vaccination. Results: About 67.5% of subjects received COVID-19 vaccination (first or second dose), with 57.2% reporting feeling confident in getting vaccinated and 32% expressing hesitancy in getting vaccinated. Trust in the health-care system, fear of COVID-19, and positive attitude toward vaccination were significantly higher in vaccinated participants than unvaccinated ones, P < 0.05. Conclusion: Being vaccinated and openness toward vaccination are influenced by health-care professionals' demographic and clinical characteristics, and health perceptions (i.e., fear of COVID-19). Whereas being overwhelmed with fear of COVID-19 is unadvisable, realistic concern balanced with appropriate action (e.g., vaccination) may be reasonable. © 2022 Medknow. All rights reserved.