CHALLENGES FACED BY HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN MANAGING INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS – EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES AND COPING STRATEGIES OF FRONTLINE MEDICAL STAFF
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/aczzmx19Keywords:
Burnout, Coping Strategies, COVID-19, Emotional Stress, Frontline Healthcare Workers, Infectious Disease Outbreaks, Pakistan, Psychological Adaptation, Qualitative Research, WorkloadAbstract
Background: Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) are often the first and most affected group during infectious disease outbreaks, facing immense physical, emotional, and ethical challenges. Their well-being is essential to effective outbreak response, yet their personal experiences and coping strategies remain underexplored in resource-constrained settings like Pakistan.
Objective: To explore the lived experiences and coping strategies of frontline medical staff managing infectious disease outbreaks in Pakistan.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted over eight months in major urban centers of Pakistan. Using purposive sampling, 30 HCWs from emergency, intensive care, and infectious disease units were interviewed through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was applied using NVivo 12 software. Transcripts were coded inductively, and data were analyzed for emerging patterns under a six-phase analytical framework.
Results: Four main themes were identified: Emotional Burden, Workplace Challenges, Coping Mechanisms, and Institutional Response. HCWs reported fear of infection, moral distress, and burnout. Systemic challenges included inadequate PPE, poor administrative communication, and overwhelming workloads. Coping strategies ranged from peer support and spirituality to emotional detachment. Institutional shortcomings such as lack of mental health resources and leadership gaps further intensified stress. Despite these barriers, participants demonstrated resilience through informal support networks and faith-based practices.
Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for robust institutional and psychological support systems for HCWs during outbreaks. Tailored policies should address emotional health, safety, and recognition to sustain frontline workers' resilience in future health emergencies.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Majid Kanwar, Hafzah Shah, Sadaf Riaz, Sana Ilyas, Saima Mumaraz (Author)
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