Impact of biosecurity measures, social pressure and bullying on attitudes, perceptions, and job satisfaction levels among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION

The extent and nature of social pressure and bullying towards healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 remains unclear. The following study identifies the effect of social pressure and bullying directed towards HCWs when using biosecurity measures during the COVID-19 pandemic; further, the impact on perceptions, attitudes and job satisfaction level is also explored.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a cross-sectional survey-based study among 684 Ecuadorian HCWs. The survey consisted of 38 questions related to the frequency, attitudes, and perceptions of biosecurity measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to assess the validity of the questionnaire. Associations between variables were analysed using χ² and Fisher's exact test. Using SPSS V.25, qualitative and quantitative data were analysed.

RESULTS

Of the 684 participants, 175 (25.59%) experienced or felt bullying or social pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with the use of biosecurity measures. Of these, 40.6% believed it was due to an imbalance of power in the workplace. The perception that HCWs wearing personal protective equipment resulting in bullying was noted in 12% of the respondents. Job satisfaction was positive among 73% of the respondents. Gender (female) and type of institution (public) were noted to contribute towards job satisfaction and bullying experiences.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to social bullying and pressure due to the use of biosecurity measures during the COVID-19 pandemic may result in reduced job satisfaction and thoughts about quitting work.

Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 transmission lineages in Ecuador

Characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity through space and time can reveal trends in virus importation and domestic circulation, and permit the exploration of questions regarding the early transmission dynamics. Here we present a detailed description of SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology in Ecuador, one of the hardest hit countries during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. We generate and analyse 160 whole genome sequences sampled from all provinces of Ecuador in 2020. Molecular clock and phylgeographic analysis of these sequences in the context of global SARS-CoV-2 diversity enable us to identify and characterise individual transmission lineages within Ecuador, explore their spatiotemporal distributions, and consider their introduction and domestic circulation. Our results reveal a pattern of multiple international importations across the country, with apparent differences between key provinces. Transmission lineages were mostly introduced before the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), with differential degrees of persistence and national dissemination.

Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 transmission lineages in Ecuador

Characterisation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) genetic diversity through space and time can reveal trends in virus importation and domestic circulation and permit the exploration of questions regarding the early transmission dynamics. Here, we present a detailed description of SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology in Ecuador, one of the hardest hit countries during the early stages of the coronavirus-19 pandemic. We generated and analysed 160 whole genome sequences sampled from all provinces of Ecuador in 2020. Molecular clock and phylogeographic analysis of these sequences in the context of global SARS-CoV-2 diversity enable us to identify and characterise individual transmission lineages within Ecuador, explore their spatiotemporal distributions, and consider their introduction and domestic circulation. Our results reveal a pattern of multiple international importations across the country, with apparent differences between key provinces. Transmission lineages were mostly introduced before the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, with differential degrees of persistence and national dissemination.