Psychological stressors among faith-based health workers during Marburg virus outbreak in Ghana: A qualitative study

TL;DR

This study explores the psychological stress experienced by faith-based health workers in Ghana during the Marburg virus outbreak and highlights the need for better support systems.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into stressors and coping strategies among faith-based health workers during infectious disease outbreaks in Ghana.

Findings

Health workers faced stress from quarantine, fear of infection, and inadequate protective measures.

Psychological impacts included insomnia, anxiety, and dissatisfaction due to lack of resources and support.

Work-related stress and concerns about family well-being were also significant challenges.

Abstract

Psychological distress is a common occurrence among health workers during infectious disease outbreaks. Yet documented evidence on the scope of the challenge in faith-based healthcare organizations is scanty. Accordingly, this research used Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model to assess faith-based health workers’ exposure to stressors during the outbreak of the Marburg Disease Virus in Ghana, the coping strategies adopted and psychological interventions employed to assist affected staff.

A phenomenological study, involving 15 clinical and nonclinical healthcare workers from the Christian Health Association of Ghana, was conducted. Interviews were arranged virtually, and data analyzed with Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis.

Participants revealed stress and mental health challenges during the Marburg disease outbreak, citing quarantine, fear of infection, and inadequate protective measures as stressors. Psychological impacts included insomnia, anxiety, and heightened health vigilance. Dissatisfaction arose from insufficient support and resources, such as isolation facilities, protective gear, and counselling. Work-related stress emerged from increased workload, staffing issues, and a lack of expertise. Concerns extended to family well-being and personal life.

Enhancing the support infrastructure of faith-based health facilities in Ghana, including expanded psychological resources and the adoption of health emergency protocols would enable such facilities to secure health workers from mental distress during health emergencies.

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