COVID-19 and challenging working environments: experiences of Black Sub-Saharan African (BSSA) front-line health care professionals amid of COVID-19 pandemic in the English Midlands region

Mathew, Nyashanu ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9231-0393, Farai, Pfende and Ekpenyong, Mandu Stephen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3778-645X (2024) COVID-19 and challenging working environments: experiences of Black Sub-Saharan African (BSSA) front-line health care professionals amid of COVID-19 pandemic in the English Midlands region. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. ISSN 2197-3792

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Abstract

Purpose: The impact of COVID-19 is challenging for many health and social care workers. The impact has been more felt by all ethnic groups, but during the course of its tenure, it has become more apparent that the black community has been affected more than others. They have been reported to suffer more fatalities from the pandemic compared to their white counterparts. Blacks are reported to make a significant percentage of health care workers. They are sometimes undervalued, lowly paid, with many on insecure contracts and experiencing professional inequality. This study sought to explore the challenges experienced by Black Sub-Saharan African (BSSA) front-line workers in health care during COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The study utilised an explorative qualitative approach (EQA). Forty research participants were recruited for the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data through online platforms which included Zoom, WhatsApp and Teams. A thematic approach was used to analyse data. Results: Following data analysis, the research found that the research participants experienced undermining of expertise, lack of appreciation and unfair allocation of tasks and were overlooked for promotion and perceived as carriers of COVID-19. Conclusion: This group was over-represented in agency and self-employed roles. There is need for a strong government commitment to prevent discrimination through enacting a comprehensive legislation to support tackling the problem. Race equality training awareness needs to be rolled out into healthcare organisations and empower managers to deal with equality issues at work.