Factors associated with covid 19 related stigma among health care workers: A case of Mangochi, Malawi
Date
2022-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of study
This will be a cross sectional quantitative study that aims at identifying factors associated
with covid 19 related stigma among health care workers: a case of Mangochi, Malawi
The Problem
Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a respiratory infection that is recognized as a serious
global public health threat. As an infectious disease, it has caused fear and a negative attitude
among health care workers, patients suffering from the disease, their families and the community
called social stigma. Health care workers have experienced stigma to a large extent because they
are directly involved in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with Covid 19. Such being
the case they are at risk of contracting the virus. Moreover, this is in line with the communities
thinking that they are the carriers of the disease hence the stigmatization. Furthermore, the
pandemic has significantly transformed the working environment for health care workers: highpressure
of work, unfavorable physical environment and emotionally demanding interaction has
led to fear and anxiety among the health care workers population. However, little is known on the
level of Covid 19 related stigma faced by health care workers in Mangochi, District. It is for this
reason that the researchers intend to conduct a study to examine stigma during infectious diseases
among health care workers: A case of Covid 19 in Mangochi District, Malawi.
Objectives
The broad objective is to identify factors associated with covid 19 related stigma among
health care workers. Specific Objectives are: to determine the prevalence of
stigma among health care workers during the Covid 19 pandemic, to examine factors associated
with stigma among health care workers during the Covid 19 pandemic and finally to determine the
relationship between personal and occupational data, perceived and related Covid 19
stigmatization, Facilitators to health related stigma ,stigma faced by health care workers and the
dependent variable stigma during the Covid 19 pandemic among health care workers in Mangochi
District. Methodology
The study will be conducted in five selected facilities of Mangochi namely: Chilipa health
center, Makanjira Health center, Mangochi District Hospital, Mulibwanji hospital and Namkumba
Health Centre. The study population will be health care workers aged 18 and above working in
the selected health facilities at the time of conducting the study. A total of 350 study participants will be sampled using simple sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire will be used
during data collection and is expected to take 40 minutes. Data will be collected and stored in a
password protected computer and in a drop box. Data analysis will be done using Stata version
14.0 to generate frequency tables and graphs for descriptive statistics and chi square and binary
logistic regression for inferential statistics. This is a quantitative study as it will be dealing with a
large sample size and numerical data to assess information; prevalence, patterns, prediction and
generalize the results of the selected facilities to Mangochi as a whole.
Expected findings and dissemination
The researchers intend to disseminate the study findings at facility and district level. Also,
copies shall be submitted KUHREC and university of Malawi Library. Furthermore, the
researchers will present the study findings at any available national and international research
dissemination conference. The study findings shall be published in a peer reviewed journal.
Description
Type of study
This will be a cross sectional quantitative study