Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Providers Towards Dengue Prevention and Control Activities in Selected Townships in Yangon Region, Myanmar

MIN HEIN, ZAR NI, dr.Riris Andono Ahmad, MPH., PhD, dr. Eggi Arguni, Msc., Sp.A., PhD.

2021 | Tesis | MAGISTER ILMU KESEHATAN MASYARAKAT

Background: Dengue is a major public-health concern throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Yangon was one of the highest dengue reported regions in Myanmar, 2019. As an emergence of COVID-19, healthcare providers have been facing the difficulties such as providing the essential health care services not only for COVID-19 but also for the regular provision of health care services including vector control activities among the community. It is major need to evaluate and figure out the possible impacts of pandemic on dengue control activities. By conducting this research, it will provide better guidance for the current implementing vector control program during a pandemic crisis in Myanmar. Objectives: To assess the implementation fidelity among healthcare providers towards dengue prevention and control activities in selected townships in Yangon region during the COVID-19 pandemic (from June to October 2020 ) Method: This study will be cross-sectional descriptive study using both quantitative (record review) and qualitative data collection methods (IDIs). This study was conducted in two townships (Htantapin and Insein township) in Yangon region in 2020. Results: The quantitative data indicated that larva control activities provided by health care providers in both townships revealed decreasing trend where the COVID-19 was increased (August to October 2020). Similarly, the population covered by health education activities were noticeably reduced during the high reported cases of COVID-19. Moreover, insufficient human resources, lockdown and social distancing measures were the potential barriers and challenges for healthcare providers to conduct dengue prevention and control during this pandemic era. Conclusion: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue prevention and control activities were ceased and delayed. To tackle those difficulties, the program not only required the collaboration with others sectors but also mandatory improvements to address the barriers and challenges such as providing the sufficient health staffs, provision of SOP and training of field health staffs during pandemic era.

Background: Dengue is a major public-health concern throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Yangon was one of the highest dengue reported regions in Myanmar, 2019. As an emergence of COVID-19, healthcare providers have been facing the difficulties such as providing the essential health care services not only for COVID-19 but also for the regular provision of health care services including vector control activities among the community. It is major need to evaluate and figure out the possible impacts of pandemic on dengue control activities. By conducting this research, it will provide better guidance for the current implementing vector control program during a pandemic crisis in Myanmar. Objectives: To assess the implementation fidelity among healthcare providers towards dengue prevention and control activities in selected townships in Yangon region during the COVID-19 pandemic (from June to October 2020 ) Method: This study will be cross-sectional descriptive study using both quantitative (record review) and qualitative data collection methods (IDIs). This study was conducted in two townships (Htantapin and Insein township) in Yangon region in 2020. Results: The quantitative data indicated that larva control activities provided by health care providers in both townships revealed decreasing trend where the COVID-19 was increased (August to October 2020). Similarly, the population covered by health education activities were noticeably reduced during the high reported cases of COVID-19. Moreover, insufficient human resources, lockdown and social distancing measures were the potential barriers and challenges for healthcare providers to conduct dengue prevention and control during this pandemic era. Conclusion: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue prevention and control activities were ceased and delayed. To tackle those difficulties, the program not only required the collaboration with others sectors but also mandatory improvements to address the barriers and challenges such as providing the sufficient health staffs, provision of SOP and training of field health staffs during pandemic era.

Kata Kunci : Dengue, Healthcare Providers, Fidelity, COVID-19,Myanmar