COVID-19 crisis : community health workers’ experiences in assisting older adults with tuberculosis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Date
2024-09-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Community Development (TAJOCODE)
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments implemented public health measures to safeguard individuals with tuberculosis, their caregivers, and healthcare workers. While these measures were well-intentioned, they inadvertently hindered Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This study explored the experiences of CHWs supporting tuberculosis patients during the pandemic. It involved in-depth interviews with 24 CHWs from 12 wards in the Temeke and Kigamboni districts, using purposive sampling and a cross-sectional research design aligned with a descriptive phenomenological approach. Thematic analysis was employed for data interpretation. The findings revealed three key issues: First, CHWs faced increased workplace pressures as they navigated the complexities of caring for tuberculosis patients while adhering to COVID-19 protocols, often with limited resources. Second, notable changes in the work environment and interactions among healthcare professionals underscored CHWs' difficulties in collaborating with other providers. Lastly, the pandemic's impact on the personal lives of CHWs highlighted significant effects on their overall well-being. The study emphasizes the need for proactive measures to better equip CHWs for the exceptional challenges of tuberculosis care during future pandemics.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Community Health Workers (CHWs), Tuberculosis, COVID-19, Healthcare, Older adults
Citation
Laurent, E., Diyammi, M.P., and Ramadhani, Y. (2024), COVID-19 Crisis: Community Health Workers’ Experiences in Assisting Older Adults with Tuberculosis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Tanzania Journal of Community Development 3(2): 52-68