Challenges Faced by Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Healthcare workers are more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus since they are the first to be exposed to the illness, even if they have the necessary training and experience to minimize the impact of disease spread among themselves and in the community. In this study, we have explored the preparedness of healthcare workers during threats of infectious disease outbreak in Prayagraj district. The study aims to outline the challenges faced by healthcare workers in India during COVID-19 pandemic. A survey-based quantitative study among healthcare professionals of a secondary and a tertiary care hospital for a duration of 4 months was conducted. The census sampling method was used for completing this research in this all the healthcare workers of both the hospitals considered. The data was carefully examined and was exported to IBM SPSS version 28. The study revealed that the healthcare workers indicated that they had to cope with mental health issues and a widespread PPE shortage. Furthermore, it was also found that the HCW suggested that the government should allow more entities to conduct and produce tests and should provide centralized communication and public information to help them prepare for future infectious disease outbreaks. The findings reflect on the difficulties faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This implies that there is a need to support the healthcare workers with adequate PPEs and supplies. Furthermore, it is necessary to provide a supportive environment to the healthcare workers to help them cope with the mental pressure that arises during outbreaks like COVID-19.