Maldives National Journal of Research

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Psychological experiences of nurses during COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives
(Maldives National University, 2022-07) Hassan, Salma
The Maldivian nurses had to face and deal with unique challenges during the coronavirus outbreak. As a result, they often faced extreme psychological pressure as a result of working constantly with a high risk of infection from patients and working in temporary setups with limited resources and manpower who were not well equipped to deal with a pandemic for the first time. This study aimed to explore the psychological experiences of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives. A descriptive qualitative research design was used for this study. Five female nurses working in the COVID-19 related in-patient facilities participated in semi-structured, virtual (telephone or online) interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: Overwhelming experience, nurses being treated differently, and valuing family support. The participants described the experience of being emotionally overwhelmed. Many experienced feelings of uncertainty and grief, mainly when they had to handle the death of COVID-19 patients under their care. Most significantly when they had to handle the dead bodies in a body bag as it was very painful for the families not being able to perform their last respect and rituals as per cultural practices. The second main theme was nurses’ grievance owing to the differential treatment they were subjected to by the public. When nurses had to go back to their resident islands, the island community was scared of contracting the disease from the nurses and as a result the public rejected interacting with the nurses. This further isolated the nurses subjecting them to loneliness. Finally, family is the most important and valuable support to overcome their psychological burden. Family members including husbands and mothers were very supportive of taking care of the nurses’ children while they worked long hours. The Maldivian nurses in COVID-19 facilities faced psychological adversities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings from this study can help in identifying issues and experiences of nurses, in order to implement appropriate interventions to monitor and support nurses during contagious disease outbreaks.
Virtual focus group discussions : exploring new frontiers in qualitative methods
(The Maldives National Journal of Research, Maldives National University, 2022-07) Musthafa, Hawwa Shiuna; Moosa, Sheena; Hassan, Aishath
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered reactive innovation using digital technology in research methods. This paper presents experiences from the methodological component of conducting virtual focus group discussions among the highly dispersed island nation of the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 99 participants divided among 28 virtual focus groups. The most populated regions of the Maldives i.e., Male’, Addu, Laamu, and Kulhuduffushi were selected. Additionally, two smaller islands with a population less than 400 people, namely, Rasgatheem and Madifushi, were also selected. The focus groups were determined by adopting a life cycle approach representing groups from childhood, youth, working age group, and senior citizens. To ensure inclusivity, three separate groups of men, women, and people with disabilities were also selected. The data collected was then subjected to thematic analysis. The findings indicated that with open discussions and engagement, facilitators were able to draw out shy participants and manage dominant participants in the Virtual Focus Group Discussion (VFGD). The caveat, however, is the need for internet connectivity and digital literacy of participants. The findings provided an in-depth understanding of the research problem. VFGD can become a mainstream data collection technique in the social qualitative inquiry especially with difficult-to-access and remote populations.
Technical Report
Psychological stress imposed on residents of Malé city during the state implemented lockdown
(Maldives National University, 2021-07) Abdulla, Anoof; Hussain, Latheefa; Samha, Aminath; Nizam, Mariyam Nahaa; Ibrahim, Mariyam Nasma; Mohamed, Aminath Ramiya
The social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic brings out some worrying indicators about the public facing mental health issues and mostly, psychological stress, anxiety and depression. While the previous studies have suggested that pandemics impose a broad spectrum of psychological impacts, many people across the globe are currently facing the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly because of the strict containment measures that are being enforced. People are being forced to stay indoors with heavy penalties if failed to abide by, and this has led to a very stressful and monotonous days. This paper shall address into reverberation of Maldivian government enforced curfew, lockdown and closure of public places including schools, colleges, universities and offices on the emergence of the first case of COVID-19 community transmission in Malé City on April 15, 2020 and until May 28, 2020. This paper shall also address the impact on psychological stressing of people living in the Malé City.
Article
Perception of e-learning among medical students of the Maldives National University, Republic of Maldives, during COVID‑19 pandemic
(The Research Centre, Maldives National University, 2020-08) Yadav, Shekar Kumar; Zubair, Shaistha
Introduction: The outbreak of COVID‑19 has led to the closure of medical schools all over the world. Maldives National University (MNU), School of Medicine adopted Electronic learning (e-learning) to prevent educational disruption. Adopting e-learning needs a clear understanding of the student’s characteristics, perception and local culture. This study aims to find out medical students’ perception of e-learning mode, effectiveness and their readiness to its adoption in a blended environment along with face-to-face learning.

Maldives National Journal of Research

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