Analyzing Patients’ Perceptions and Challenges Faced in the Use of Protective Devices/Approaches While Receiving Healthcare in COVID-19 Units in Bamenda Municipality, Cameroon
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated stringent infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other protective approaches to mitigate transmission in healthcare settings. Patients admitted to COVID-19 units faced significant physical, psychological, and socio-cultural challenges in adhering to these measures, especially in resource-limited regions like Bamenda, Cameroon, where healthcare systems were already strained by socio-political crises. This study explored patients’ perspectives on the use of protective devices and approaches, and the barriers encountered during care in COVID-19 units. Methods: A mixed research design was employed, involving 43 patients admitted to COVID-19 units in two public hospitals in Bamenda between January 2020 and January 2022. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, focusing on patients’ experiences with PPE (e.g., masks, sanitizers, gowns) and protective protocols (e.g., isolation, hand hygiene). Thematic analysis was used to identify key challenges, including physical discomfort, psychological distress, and systemic inadequacies. Findings: The majority of patients (60.5%) consistently used face masks, while 55.1% reported never using gowns due to affordability and accessibility issues. Key challenges included: Physical discomfort: 69.8% experienced breathing difficulties; 46.5% faced communication barriers; and 44.4% reported excessive heat from prolonged PPE use. Psychological distress: 81.4% cited feelings of isolation, and 72.1% reported inadequate nurse-patient interaction due to PPE; 75.6% reported insufficient PPE supply; and 64.4% noted reliance on untrained staff. Socio-demographic factors, such as age and education level, significantly influenced experiences (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients in COVID-19 units faced multifaceted challenges exacerbated by resource constraints and inadequate training. The study recommended: patient-centered PPE training to improve compliance and reduce discomfort; provision of subsidized PPE to mitigate financial barriers; and enhanced communication strategies (e.g., transparent masks) to address psychological distress. This study accentuates the need for adaptive, equitable interventions to improve patient experiences in pandemic settings, particularly in low-resource contexts.
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