COVID-19 pandemic management at a hospital in Somalia: A qualitative study

Background: COVID-19 pandemic management in the hospitals is important for the prevention practices of health staff. Studies assessing COVID-19 pandemic management in Somali hospitals are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the management of the COVID-19 pandemic at De Martino Public Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, to enhance pandemic management strategies in hospitals. Methods: In this phenomenological study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 29 key participants at De Martino Hospital, including 5 managers, 12 healthcare workers, and 12 patients. Additionally, on-site observations were carried out at the hospital. The study was conducted in 2022, and thematic content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Results: The interviews revealed seven themes: infrastructure, prevention, communication, awareness, fear, management, and finance. The study found that the hospital generally managed the COVID-19 pandemic well. However, public awareness was deemed inadequate. Observations indicated a lack of triage procedures at the entrance. The results also highlighted a shortage of budget and poor infrastructure for COVID-19 management in the hospital. Conclusions: Effective COVID-19 pandemic management is crucial for reducing disease transmission. It is important to implement entry regulation measures, particularly screening triage procedures. Public education is needed to encourage the adoption of COVID-19 infection prevention and control practices. Additionally, sufficient funding should be allocated to ensure that hospitals have the necessary materials, equipment, and human resources for improved management of the COVID-19 pandemic and similar epidemics.