Vulnerability, loss, and coping experiences of health care workers and first responders during the covid-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic substantially affects health care workers from multiple disciplines, including nurses, physicians, therapists, and first responders. The aims of this study were to 1) explore and describe the experiences of health care workers and first responders working with individuals with COVID-19 infection, and 2) identify the support and strategies that were helpful during their experience. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted via online video interviews of 29 health care workers and first responders who agreed to be contacted for an interview. Thematic analysis resulted in three themes and corresponding subthemes. RESULTS: The three overriding themes were 1) experiencing vulnerability, 2) suffering loss and grief, and 3) coping with vulnerability. A sense of vulnerability and high levels of stress were described and affected participants during their professional work as health care workers and first responders as well as their roles in their homes and communities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings indicate the need for effective measures to assist health care workers and first responders to minimize the negative consequences of persistent and severe stress and vulnerability as they care for individuals with COVID-19 and their families.

Ecological Systems Affecting Urban Childbearing Puerto Rican Women in the City of Philadelphia.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore socio-ecological influences affecting the daily lives of urban, pregnant Puerto Rican women and factors negatively influencing their health seeking behaviors related to prenatal care. METHODS: Qualitative, descriptive methods were used including individual interviews and focus groups to obtain maximum understanding of the women's lives. The interviews and focus groups were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide based on various components of the study's conceptual framework. Content analytic strategies included rigorous and systematic processes to increase trustworthiness: training, supervision, audits, electronic technologies, and ongoing input of the research team. RESULTS: Factors on all levels of the study's conceptual framework compound the effects of stressors and restrictions on the lives of urban, childbearing Puerto Rican woman. The intersectionality of issues for Puerto Rican women can either mitigate or heighten the pressure on their daily lives. CONCLUSIONS: This initial research sets the groundwork for further studies, such as narrative analysis, to better understand how to build appropriate and relevant interventions. Uncovering the women's stories gives them the opportunity to be a critical part of cross-sector partnerships towards the development of sustainable interventions.