Determinants maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda
Abstract Background Maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial for health system resilience. In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Uganda, HCWs faced significant challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, compounded by pre-exi...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-01-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86685-6 |
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| author | Makiko Komasawa Myo Nyein Aung Christopher Nsereko Kiyoko Saito Robert Ssekitoleko Mitsuo Isono Motoyuki Yuasa |
| author_facet | Makiko Komasawa Myo Nyein Aung Christopher Nsereko Kiyoko Saito Robert Ssekitoleko Mitsuo Isono Motoyuki Yuasa |
| author_sort | Makiko Komasawa |
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| description | Abstract Background Maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial for health system resilience. In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Uganda, HCWs faced significant challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, compounded by pre-existing resource constraints. This study investigated challenges faced by HCWs at a designated COVID-19 hospital (‘the Hospital’) and explored determinants of maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hospital from May to July 2023, with 120 HCWs categorised by profession. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify motivation-related factors. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data, COVID-19 knowledge, medical history, support received, and pandemic-related challenges. Psychological impact was measured using a four-point Likert scale. Results Among respondents, 61.7% worked during the first lockdown and 93.3% during the second. COVID-19 knowledge was high, with over 70% answering questions correctly, although vaccine effectiveness had a slightly lower accuracy rate. The study revealed that 32.5% of HCWs tested positive for COVID-19 and 25% displayed vaccine hesitancy. Key challenges included fear of infection, transportation disruptions, income reduction, and social isolation. Notably, 92.5% reported significant anxiety related to infection. Factors positively associated with remaining motivated were age (≤ 30 versus > 30 years; adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 10.34, 95% CI; 1.92–55.74), profession (co-medical/non-medical staff versus medical doctors/medical officers; AOR: 11.66, 95% CI: 1.03–132.22), receiving mentoring/tutoring (AOR: 18.87, 95% CI: 2.55–139.72), and information from supervisors/management (AOR: 12.5, 95% CI: 2.60–60.42). In contrast, psychological impact was negatively affected by isolation from family and friends (AOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41–0.92). Conclusions Despite challenges, most HCWs at the Hospital remained motivated. These findings emphasised the importance of technical and psychological support, such as mentoring and effective communication from upper-level supervisors, rather than financial incentives, in maintaining motivation among the HCWs. Comprehensive support systems are essential for sustaining HCWs’ motivation during the pandemic, especially in resource-limited settings. Further research should address the long-term mental health effects and enhance HCWs’ resilience in future health crises. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b7fd8ff05065478aaa89c9d443726bb4 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| spelling | doaj-art-b7fd8ff05065478aaa89c9d443726bb42025-02-02T12:24:18ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-01-0115111210.1038/s41598-025-86685-6Determinants maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during COVID-19 pandemic in UgandaMakiko Komasawa0Myo Nyein Aung1Christopher Nsereko2Kiyoko Saito3Robert Ssekitoleko4Mitsuo Isono5Motoyuki Yuasa6Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, Japan International Cooperation AgencyDepartment of Global Health Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo UniversityDepartment of Internal Medicine, Entebbe Regional Referral HospitalOgata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, Japan International Cooperation AgencyCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityJapan International Cooperation AgencyDepartment of Global Health Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo UniversityAbstract Background Maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial for health system resilience. In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Uganda, HCWs faced significant challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, compounded by pre-existing resource constraints. This study investigated challenges faced by HCWs at a designated COVID-19 hospital (‘the Hospital’) and explored determinants of maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hospital from May to July 2023, with 120 HCWs categorised by profession. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify motivation-related factors. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data, COVID-19 knowledge, medical history, support received, and pandemic-related challenges. Psychological impact was measured using a four-point Likert scale. Results Among respondents, 61.7% worked during the first lockdown and 93.3% during the second. COVID-19 knowledge was high, with over 70% answering questions correctly, although vaccine effectiveness had a slightly lower accuracy rate. The study revealed that 32.5% of HCWs tested positive for COVID-19 and 25% displayed vaccine hesitancy. Key challenges included fear of infection, transportation disruptions, income reduction, and social isolation. Notably, 92.5% reported significant anxiety related to infection. Factors positively associated with remaining motivated were age (≤ 30 versus > 30 years; adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 10.34, 95% CI; 1.92–55.74), profession (co-medical/non-medical staff versus medical doctors/medical officers; AOR: 11.66, 95% CI: 1.03–132.22), receiving mentoring/tutoring (AOR: 18.87, 95% CI: 2.55–139.72), and information from supervisors/management (AOR: 12.5, 95% CI: 2.60–60.42). In contrast, psychological impact was negatively affected by isolation from family and friends (AOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41–0.92). Conclusions Despite challenges, most HCWs at the Hospital remained motivated. These findings emphasised the importance of technical and psychological support, such as mentoring and effective communication from upper-level supervisors, rather than financial incentives, in maintaining motivation among the HCWs. Comprehensive support systems are essential for sustaining HCWs’ motivation during the pandemic, especially in resource-limited settings. Further research should address the long-term mental health effects and enhance HCWs’ resilience in future health crises.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86685-6COVID-19SARS-Cov-2Healthcare workerHospitalLockdownInfection prevention and control |
| spellingShingle | Makiko Komasawa Myo Nyein Aung Christopher Nsereko Kiyoko Saito Robert Ssekitoleko Mitsuo Isono Motoyuki Yuasa Determinants maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda Scientific Reports COVID-19 SARS-Cov-2 Healthcare worker Hospital Lockdown Infection prevention and control |
| title | Determinants maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda |
| title_full | Determinants maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda |
| title_fullStr | Determinants maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda |
| title_full_unstemmed | Determinants maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda |
| title_short | Determinants maintaining healthcare personnel’s motivation during COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda |
| title_sort | determinants maintaining healthcare personnel s motivation during covid 19 pandemic in uganda |
| topic | COVID-19 SARS-Cov-2 Healthcare worker Hospital Lockdown Infection prevention and control |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86685-6 |
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