Impact of COVID-19 on essential healthcare services at the primary healthcare level in Armenia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant global healthcare challenges, particularly impacting the continuity of essential health services in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization and provision of essential health services in Armenia. METHODS: We employed a conventional qualitative study design, conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 17) within public and private primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Armenia in 2021. Our study participants encompassed physicians providing specialty services in PHC facilities (e.g. endocrinologists, gynecologists/obstetricians, and pediatricians), regular visitors to PHC facilities (e.g. adults with chronic diseases, parents of children), and policymakers. Thematic analysis was conducted, yielding five emergent categories: mobilization and organization of PHC services during COVID-19; PHC visits during COVID-19; worsening of chronic conditions due to the decline in PHC visits; problems with routine childhood vaccinations; and patient-provider communication challenges. RESULTS: The number of in-person visits to PHC facilities declined due to adaptations in service delivery, imposed lockdown measures, and the public's fear of visiting healthcare facilities. Maternal and child health services continued with no major disruptions. PHC providers deliberately limited the number of maternal and child visits to essential antenatal care, newborn screenings, and routine childhood immunizations. Still, children experienced some delays in vaccination administration. The pandemic resulted in a notable reduction in follow-up visits and monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, thereby exacerbating their chronic conditions. Phone calls were the primary method of patient-provider communication during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the delivery and utilization of essential healthcare services at PHC facilities, especially for those with chronic conditions who needed continuous care. Unified national-level guidance and technical capacity are needed to direct the provision of essential services at the PHC level, promote effective health communication, and implement digital platforms for the uninterrupted provision of essential care during public health emergencies.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among general population of Armenia in 2021 and factors associated with it: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection ever in life and chronic HBV infection in Armenia. DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional seroprevalence study combined with a phone survey of tested individuals. SETTING: All administrative units of Armenia including 10 provinces and capital city Yerevan. PARTICIPANTS: The study frame was the general adult population of Armenia aged ≥18 years. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants were tested for anti-HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc) and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) using third-generation enzyme immunoassays. In case of HBsAg positivity, HBV DNA and hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA PCR tests were performed. Risk factors of HBV infection ever in life (anti-HBc positivity) and chronic HBV infection (HBsAg positivity) were identified through fitting logistic regression models. RESULTS: The seroprevalence study included 3838 individuals 18 years and older. Of them, 90.7% (3476 individuals) responded to the phone survey. The prevalence of anti-HBc positivity was 14.1% (95% CI 13.1% to 15.2%) and HBsAg positivity 0.8% (95% CI 0.5% to 1.1%). The viral load was over 10 000 IU/mL for 7.9% of HBsAg-positive individuals. None of the participants was positive for HDV. Risk factors for HBsAg positivity included less than secondary education (aOR=6.44; 95% CI 2.2 to 19.1), current smoking (aOR=2.56; 95% CI 1.2 to 5.6), and chronic liver disease (aOR=8.44; 95% CI 3.0 to 23.7). In addition to these, risk factors for anti-HBc positivity included age (aOR=1.04; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.05), imprisonment ever in life (aOR=2.53; 95% CI 1.41 to 4.56), and poor knowledge on infectious diseases (aOR=1.32; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.67), while living in Yerevan (vs provinces) was protective (aOR=0.74; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.93). CONCLUSION: This study provided robust estimates of HBV markers among general population of Armenia. Its findings delineated the need to revise HBV testing and treatment strategies considering higher risk population groups, and improve population knowledge on HBV prevention.

Factors associated with delay or avoidance of medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Armenia: results from a nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems throughout the world. Many patients faced delays and cancellation of care due to scaled back services, mobility restrictions, and concerns related to the risk of infection. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of and risk factors associated with the avoidance or delay of medical care due to COVID-19 in Armenia. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey of 3,483 adults across Armenia. We used stratified two-stage cluster sampling to select the participants from different age groups proportionate to their size in the population. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association of risk factors with avoidance/delay of routine, urgent/emergency, and any medical care. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 49.5 (SD = 14.8), ranging from 18 to 90. About 9.9% of the respondents avoided/delayed any type of medical care; whereas 5.5% avoided/delayed urgent/emergency care and 6.6% routine care. In the adjusted analysis, female gender and higher monthly expenditures were associated with avoidance/delay of routine medical care. Factors associated with delay/avoidance of urgent/emergency care included female gender and higher perceived threat of COVID-19. Younger age, female gender, higher perceived threat and not being vaccinated against COVID-19 were associated with avoidance/delay of any medical care in the adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION: Since avoiding or delaying care might increase morbidity and mortality associated with conditions not related to COVID-19, identifying population groups that are more likely to avoid care is important. Targeting such groups with educational interventions focusing on the risks of using versus not using medical care in times of pandemic might be crucial. Ensuring the provision of in-home healthcare services for high-risk groups might help to address important medical care needs during the pandemic.

Multi-Perspective Views and Hesitancy toward COVID-19 Vaccines: A Mixed Method Study.

The worldwide uptake of COVID-19 vaccines was suboptimal throughout the pandemic; vaccine hesitancy played a principle role in low vaccine acceptance both globally and in Armenia. In order to understand the factors behind the slow vaccine uptake in Armenia, we aimed to explore the prevailing perceptions and experiences of healthcare providers and the general public related to COVID-19 vaccines. The study applied a convergent parallel mixed-methods study design (QUAL-quant) through in-depth interviews (IDI) and a telephone survey. We completed 34 IDIs with different physician and beneficiary groups and a telephone survey with 355 primary healthcare (PHC) providers. The IDIs found that physicians held variable views on the need for COVID-19 vaccination which, combined with mixed messaging in the media landscape, fueled the public's vaccine hesitancy. The survey results were mostly consistent with the qualitative findings as 54% of physicians hypothesized that COVID-19 vaccines were rushed without appropriate testing and 42% were concerned about the safety of those vaccines. Strategies to improve vaccination rates must target the main drivers of hesitancy, such as physicians' poor knowledge of specific vaccines and spiraling misconceptions about them. Meanwhile, timely educational campaigns with targeted messaging for the general public should address misinformation, promote vaccine acceptance, and empower their capacity to make decisions about their health.

Predicting COVID-19 vaccination uptake in Armenia using the Health Belief Model: Results from a nationwide survey.

Health behavior theories have been effectively used for studying populations' awareness, attitudes, and beliefs related to COVID-19 preventative behaviors. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Armenian population using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework. We applied stratified two-stage random sampling to conduct a telephone survey of 3,483 adults in 2021. The multi-domain survey instrument included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related knowledge, COVID-19 susceptibility, severity and self-efficacy beliefs, sources of information on COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccination practice, and its benefits and barriers. We performed bivariate and hierarchical multivariate regression analysis with the entry of variables in blocks. In total, about 12% of the sample (n = 393) was vaccinated against COVID-19. Of 2,838 unvaccinated participants, about 53% (n = 1516) had an intention to get vaccinated. The final hierarchical logistic regression model containing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about COVID-19, and HBM constructs explained 43% of the variance in the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Participants' age, employment status, average monthly expenditures, perceived threat, benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action were significant and independent predictors of the intention to get COVID-19 vaccination. This study confirmed the utility of the HBM in highlighting drivers of an important health-protective behavior in the context of pandemics. Health policy makers, communication specialists, and healthcare providers should particularly stress the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines in their efforts to increase vaccination rates and focus on unemployed and low-income population groups.

Primary healthcare providers challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Primary healthcare (PHC) providers are widely acknowledged for putting the most efficient and long-lasting efforts for addressing community health issues and promoting health equity. This study aimed to explore PHC providers' experiences with coronavirus pandemic preparedness and response in Armenia. METHODS: We applied a qualitative study design using semi-structured in-depth interviews and structured observation checklists. Study participants were recruited using theoretical and convenience sampling techniques throughout Armenia. Inductive conventional content analysis was utilized to analyze the in-depth interviews. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 participants. Observations took place in 35 PHC facilities. The data collected during the observations was analyzed using the "SPSS22.0.0.0" software. RESULTS: Five main themes of primary healthcare providers' experiences were drawn out based on the study findings: 1) the gap in providers' risk communication skills; 2) uneven supply distributions; 3) difficulties in specimen collection and testing processes; 4) providers challenged by home visits; 5) poor patient-provider relationships. The results revealed that primary care providers were affected by uneven supply distribution throughout the country. The lack of proper laboratory settings and issues with specimen collection were challenges shaping the providers' experiences during the pandemic. The study highlighted the health systems' unpreparedness to engage providers in home visits for COVID-19 patients. The findings suggested that it was more challenging for healthcare providers to gain the trust of their patients during the pandemic. The study results also underlined the need for trainings to help primary care providers enhance their risk communication expertise or assign other responsible bodies to carry out risk communication on PHC providers' behalf. CONCLUSION: The study discovered that PHC providers have a very important role in healthcare system's preparedness and response to handle public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings the study team recommends prioritizing rural PHC development, ensuring appropriate supply distributions, developing comprehensive protocols on safe home visits and specimen collection and testing processes, and trainings PHC providers on risk communication, patient-centeredness, as well as proper use of personal protective equipment.

Factors Influencing Treatment Adherence Among Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis (DS-TB) Patients in Armenia: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: Despite the availability of effective treatment, tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the leading causes of mortality around the globe. Poor adherence to treatment challenges TB management both globally and locally. Proper adherence to treatment contributes to successful outcomes and prevents the development of drug-resistant forms of TB. Patients and Methods: We conducted a qualitative study to identify and describe the factors that facilitated treatment adherence among drug-sensitive TB (DS-TB) patients in Armenia. Sixteen in-depth interviews (IDIs) with former DS-TB patients, two IDIs with family members of former DS-TB patients, and a focus group discussion with healthcare providers who manage DS-TB patients were conducted. The educational and ecological assessment component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model was applied as a conceptual framework to guide the interview content and data analysis. Results: Former patients' awareness of TB and its treatment, beliefs about TB, trust in TB healthcare providers, and a sense of responsibility were the most common factors that predisposed them to complete the treatment. Support received from providers, family, and friends, a desire to avoid TB-associated stigma, and good tolerance of TB medications were the main reinforcing factors. Enabling factors included a relatively simple regimen of TB treatment and accessibility and affordability of TB services. Conclusion: The findings of the study provide new perspectives on factors that facilitate adherence to long-term therapies, such as TB. Interventions that aim to invoke a patient's sense of responsibility and positive beliefs about TB as well as engage families might promote the successful completion of treatment.

Hospitalizations and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Urogenital Tuberculosis in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 2016-2018.

Despite the global shift to ambulatory tuberculosis (TB) care, hospitalizations remain common in Uzbekistan. This study examined the duration and determinants of hospitalizations among adult patients (≥18 years) with urogenital TB (UGTB) treated with first-line anti-TB drugs during 2016-2018 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This was a cohort study based on the analysis of health records. Of 142 included patients, 77 (54%) were males, the mean (±standard deviation) age was 40 ± 16 years, and 68 (48%) were laboratory-confirmed. A total of 136 (96%) patients were hospitalized during the intensive phase, and 12 (8%) had hospital admissions during the continuation phase of treatment. The median length of stay (LOS) during treatment was 56 days (Interquartile range: 56-58 days). LOS was associated with history of migration (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR): 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32-0.69, p < 0.001); UGTB-related surgery (aIRR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01-1.38, p = 0.045); and hepatitis B comorbidity (aIRR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.98-5.39, p < 0.001). The treatment success was 94% and it was not associated with the LOS. Hospitalization was almost universal among patients with UGTB in Uzbekistan. Future research should focus on finding out what proportion of hospitalizations were not clinically justified and could have been avoided.

Barriers to utilization of adolescent friendly health services in primary healthcare facilities in Armenia: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to explore potential challenges that hamper utilization of adolescent friendly health services (AFHS) in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Armenia. METHODS: A qualitative study using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions was conducted with experts in adolescent health, PHC providers and facility managers from public PHC facilities and adolescents from the two largest cities in Armenia. We also collected data through observations in PHC facilities. We utilized a directed content analysis approach for data analysis. RESULTS: The study identified various factors negatively influencing utilization of AFHS in Armenia. These factors included adolescents' poor health literacy and awareness of health services, lack of PHPs' professional competencies, and breaches of confidentiality. Several facility-level barriers such as lack of privacy, inconvenient operating hours and long waiting times also contributed to insufficient service utilization by adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings shed light on different perspectives related to various challenges adolescents faced in PHC facilities in Armenia. Targeted interventions needed to improve adolescents' health literacy, to enhance the PHPs' competencies and to create a friendly and welcoming environment in PHC facilities.

Nurses role, importance and status in Armenia: A mixed method study.

AIM: To assess the perception of the nursing profession in Armenia from the perspective of multiple stakeholders, including nurses and the general public. BACKGROUND: Nurses' role perception is a complex phenomenon defined by multiple stakeholders. METHODS: The assessment used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, with a dominant qualitative status. We conducted the qualitative phase through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 235 people and collected quantitative data in a cross-sectional telephone survey with 389 participants. RESULTS: The nursing profession has been influenced by medical hierarchy and subordination, and none of the participants recognized nursing as an autonomous health care profession. The quantitative survey findings were largely consistent with the qualitative results. Our findings highlighted empathy and compassion as inherent qualities of nurses in Armenia. CONCLUSION: To change opinions about the nursing profession and highlight nurses' meaningful contribution to the provision of health care services, it is important to develop a national definition of nursing and introduce higher educational opportunities for nurses in Armenia. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The paper highlights the importance of quality education for preparing highly competent nurse managers who can become role models in promoting nurses' roles in health care systems and improving the professional and public image of nursing.

Diabetes mellitus and treatment outcomes of pulmonary tuberculosis: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the impact of diabetes on the treatment outcomes among pulmonary TB patients in Yerevan, Armenia. METHODS: We utilized a cohort study design that included TB patients with diabetes and TB patients without diabetes. The data collection was conducted in the National Tuberculosis Control Center, eight tuberculosis outpatient centers and the 'Prisoners' Hospital' in Yerevan, Armenia. Data were collected from an existing national TB database and patients medical records. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to construct the final model and test the associations. RESULTS: The final sample included 621 patients 5.8% of whom had diabetes. The odds of having treatment failure was 8.99 times higher among TB patients with diabetes (95% confidence interval 2.51-32.23) compared to TB patients without diabetes after adjusting for weight and sputum smear status. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes comorbidity had a negative effect on TB treatment outcomes. Countries with a high burden of both TB and diabetes need to develop mechanisms for active screening for diabetes among patients with TB and address their treatment needs carefully.

A new modification of tubeless cutaneous ureterostomy following radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: Cutaneous ureterostomy is a well-established surgical technique of incontinent urinary diversion treatment. However, stoma stenosis limits widespread utilization of this technique. We present our modification of constructing single-site tubeless cutaneous ureterostomy aiming to reduce stomal complications and improve catheter-free rate of those patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2016-2017, 30 patients with 60 renal units underwent modified and 30 patients with 60 renal units standard technique. The main differences of our method from previously described techniques were the preservation of parietal peritoneum and fixation of ureteral orifices one to another. Catheter-free rate was calculated in all patients with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. In total, 52 patients, 26 from the modified cutaneous ureterostomy group, and 26 from the standard cutaneous ureterostomy group were available for the final analysis. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 63.1 years. The median follow-up period was 25.8 months (ranging from 1-37 months). The catheter-free rate was achieved 76.9% (20 patients) in the modified group compared to 42.3% (11 patients) in the standard group (P value = 0.013). No statistically significant differences were observed between two groups for late complications and readmission rates. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique of single-site-modified cutaneous ureterostomy is a safe and simple surgical technique with similar postoperative complications rate and better catheter-free rate compared to standard cutaneous ureterostomy. We believe that this technique could be a method of choice not only for candidates for cutaneous ureterostomy but also for selected patients for ileal conduit.