Prevalence and Associated Factors of Psychological Distress Among Diabetic Patients at Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Emotional distress experienced by individuals with diabetes represents a type of psychological strain specific to the challenges posed by diabetes. It mirrors the emotional reactions arising from coping with the demands of the illness and the essential care associated with diabetes. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among diabetic patients at Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among diabetic patients at Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi. Methods: The cross-sectional study involved 171 participants chosen using a simple random sampling technique at Thyolo District Hospital. The study was conducted from June 28 to July 27, 2023. The data were inputted into SPSS version 23.0, and descriptive statistics were employed for analysis. Cross-tabulation, utilizing Pearson chi-square, and correlation analysis were performed. The statistical significance level was established at P <0.05. Results: Out of the 171 participants included in the study, 44 (25.7%) reported experiencing diabetic distress. According to levels of psychological distress, the study reports that 27 (15.8%) had mild depression, while 5 (2.9%) presented with moderate depression and 1 (0.6%) had extremely severe depression. As regards to levels of anxiety, 14 (8.2%) had mild anxiety, while 5 (2.9%) had moderate anxiety. In terms of stress levels, only one participant (0.6%) reported mild stress, and an equal proportion reported moderate stress. Additionally, age was identified as a significant factor associated with psychological distress, with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion: Approximately 33% of the diabetic patients involved in this study revealed psychological distress, and this condition showed a statistically significant association with age. Conducting routine assessments and implementing early control measures for the associated factors are crucial in mitigating both the prevalence and the impact of psychological distress among diabetic patients.

The need for health information management professionals in Malawi health facilities.

BACKGROUND: Health information management (HIM) is at the core of health organisations, providing essential information. In Malawi, there is a substantial deficit of qualified personnel, specifically health information managers, who can properly manage health information in electronic and paper-based formats. The nation has no higher education institution offering an academic programme in HIM. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the need for HIM professionals in Malawi government health facilities, to determine the kinds of data managed by data users; competencies of HIM workers and challenges associated with the current HIM system. METHOD: A cross-sectional research design was adopted, with a qualitative approach to gather data from data users and key informants, using two focused interview guides. Data were collected from 13 participants from 6 government health facilities representing the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery levels. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Data users handled a diverse range of data, the majority having moderate skills in HIM. Both data users and key informants reported experiencing challenges in dealing with the existing HIM system. Findings also revealed key challenges associated with the absence, or inadequacy, of a well-trained HIM professional workforce in Malawi health facilities. CONCLUSION: Introducing a training programme in HIM would improve data management in health facilities in Malawi. Well-managed data would improve the delivery of health care services.

A Tracer Study of Psychosocial Counselling Graduates Working in Different Healthcare Facilities Across Malawi.

Background: Graduate Tracer Studies plays a key role in informing higher education institutions worldwide about the effectiveness of their programs and preparing graduates for the job market. The study aimed to trace its psychosocial counselling graduates working in different healthcare facilities across Malawi. Methods: The tracer study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design where the quantitative research method, specifically a survey was used. Data was gathered from Psychosocial counselling graduates of Saint John of God College of Health Sciences using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Out of 123 participants, 72 responded, yielding a response rate of 59%. Of these, there were 40 (55.6%) females and 32 (44.4%) males. Results indicated strong belief among participants that the program provided them with valuable skills. The majority of graduates reported successful employment outcomes, with an impressive 62 (86.1%) securing jobs, often within a short period. Many participants effectively utilized the knowledge and skills acquired during the program within their workplace settings. However, a subset of graduates faced challenges in applying their training. Recommendations for program improvement included the addition of courses such as Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation. The identified key challenges encompassed low staffing levels and limited resources. Conclusion: The study confirms program effectiveness based on positive outcomes reported by graduates in job relevance, skill development, and knowledge use. Addressing identified gaps and implementing recommended improvements can enhance graduates' employability, meet market demands, and improve the psychosocial counselling health sector in Malawi. The study recommends that the College should consider collaborating with industry partners, monitoring employment outcomes, and proactively adapting the curriculum is vital for program success and professional development.

Employers Feedback on Psychosocial Counselling Graduates' Performance in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Malawi.

Purpose: Psychosocial counselling is vital for addressing mental health challenges in Malawi, a low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is a shortage of qualified mental health professionals, including Psychosocial counsellors. The Saint John of God College of Health Sciences aims to produce competent graduates in psychosocial counselling, but there is a lack of information on the quality of graduates and their ability to meet employer expectations. This qualitative study aimed to explore employers' feedback on psychosocial counselling graduates' performance in selected healthcare facilities in Malawi. Methods: This qualitative approach employed an explorative research design. Eighteen participants were selected purposefully from ten healthcare facilities across three regions of Malawi. They were interviewed independently using a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analysed thematically using content analysis approach. Results: The study reveals the assigned responsibilities of psychosocial counselling graduates, including providing HIV/AIDS therapeutic services, individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, and coordinating referrals. Employers recognize the graduates' competence in communication skills, empathy, theoretical knowledge, and professionalism. However, some weaknesses were identified, such as difficulties in maintaining boundaries, limited knowledge of health-related terms, and a lack of proactivity. Suggestions for improvement include teaching professionalism, incorporating health-related terms in the curriculum, following up with graduates, continuing the practicum aspect, establishing partnerships, and expanding training in evidence-based practices. Conclusion: The study explored employer feedback on psychosocial counselling graduates from Saint John of God College of Health Sciences in Malawi. The study to identified strengths, areas for improvement, and recommendations were made to improve the Psychosocial counselling academic programme. Implementing them can improve graduates quality and mental health outcomes in Malawi.

Palliative care needs in Malawi: Care received by people living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has changed from an acute to a chronic illness in the past decade, because of highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART). Malawi's response to the HIV challenge included provision of ART for people living with HIV or AIDS (PLWHA), which significantly reduced HIV- and AIDS-related mortality. In addition, palliative care for PLWHA was introduced as a strategy that improves the success of ART. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to explore the needs of PLWHA concerning care received from primary caregivers and palliative care nurses in Malawi. METHODS: A qualitative, explorative design was used and 18 participants were selected purposefully and interviewed individually using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed using NVivo software package version 10. RESULTS: Results revealed that PLWHA needed physical care from the primary caregivers due to severity of illness, integration of healthcare services, and continuity of care and proper care from nurses. They also needed knowledge from nurses in several areas which affected decision-making and needed financial and nutritional support. CONCLUSION: More could be done in meeting needs of PLWHA to improve their health and survival and assist them to achieve a better quality of life.