Browsing by Author "Dias, Welwitschia"
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- Clinical characteristics and variables associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Luanda, Angola, in the first year of the pandemicPublication . Arrais, Margarete; Dias, Welwitschia; Silva, Maura; Neto, Luquenia; Pedro, Naiol; Jungo, Sónia; Miguel, Avelina; Fortes-Gabriel, Elsa; Sebastião, Cruz; Gama, Jorge; Brito, MiguelBackground: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa is still unclear. In comparison to Europe and North America, morbidity and death rates are lower. Several factors have been proposed, including geographical variation in virus impact, environmental factors, differences in age distribution, and the impact of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV infection, and tuberculosis. Objectives: We investigated the clinical characteristics and putative determinants linked with COVID-19 in Angolan patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study undertaken at Military Hospital, Luanda, from March 2020 to March 2021. The survey collected sociodemographic and clinical information. Results: The sample included 1,683 patients aged ≥18 years, 64% men, with a mean age of 46.3 years. SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 39% of the cases with RT-PCR. Patients ≥46 years with a level of education of ≥12 years had a considerably higher likelihood of testing positive. About 58% of positive patients had at least one comorbidity, of which hypertension and Diabetes were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. HIV and pulmonary TB were putative protective factors. About 14% of positive patients died. Most deaths occurred in patients ≥46 years old, with less education and unemployment. Working as a healthcare practitioner was linked to a protective effect. Malignant diseases were the most common comorbidities associated with death. Conclusions: We identified putative factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. HIV and TB were protective and not associated with mortality. Further study with a broader scope should be conducted to explain the main features related to COVID-19 mortality in Angola.
- Physicians’ perceptions of their knowledge and the preparedness of health facilities in Angola to diagnose and manage COVID-19Publication . Arrais, Margarete; Dias, Welwitschia; Gama, Jorge M. R.; Brito, MiguelBackground: Healthcare professionals represent a vulnerable group in terms of responding to COVID-19. Knowledge can influence healthcare professionals through the adoption of the correct attitudes and practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by a questionnaire, the perceptions of physicians about their level of knowledge as well as conditions in their workplaces for dealing with COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study of Angolan physicians took place from 11 May to 23 June 2020. A questionnaire was electronically shared across social media and via email. Results: The sample consisted of 637 valid questionnaires; 53% of respondents were female, 41% were aged 31-40 y and 79% were from Luanda province. About 51% of physicians perceived that they had adequate knowledge about COVID-19 and 64% used personal protective equipment. These figures were higher among specialists from the province of Luanda. About 81% stated that their health units lacked the technical capacity to diagnose COVID-19. Only 35% of health units have chest tomography equipment; 44% are prepared for the care and/or isolation of patients. Only 33% of units are running intensive care units. The main concerns of physicians were training opportunities and limited access to personal protective equipment. Conclusion: The results show that it is necessary to strengthen physicians' knowledge about COVID-19, as well as to improve the conditions of the health units, so as to promote safe practices.