Background and rationale for the study
Since October 7th, the war in Gaza has massively exposed the population to repeated displacements, multiple griefs and deprivation of basic needs. Amongst the persons affected, the population of health professionals is of particular interest for several reasons: they are not only exposed directly in the same way as the rest of the population, but they are also exposed to primary and secondary trauma in the scope of their professional activity.
In addition, they are crucial to maintain the affected health system that deals with unprecedented health needs of the population while being affected in its capacity to provide services due to the impact of the war.
A risk is identified that health professionals are at risk for mental health issues, linked to exposure to multiples stressors in their everyday life. Issues such as compassion fatigue, or PTSD can lead to long periods of inability to work and. This would have devastating consequences, leading to further collapse of the already fragile health system and contribute to further deterioration of the population’s health.
Objectives
This research will give a qualitative understanding into the exposure to mental health risk factors specifically related to the war and provide putting everyday experience in perspective with the lived experience, life course experience and social reality of the participants to the study.
The objectives for MDM Switzerland are:
Contribute to the existing knowledge
Integrate the result in the need assessment and program development
Support advocacy interventions regarding right to health
Proposed methodology
Based on social science methods and validated mental health risk factors framework, the research will adapt and fine tune to the following proposed methodology, using social science qualitative research methods in a technical proposal.
S/he will work in close collaboration with the Gaza field team for the practicalities of the study design, as well as for HR and logistic support. An internal MdM steering committee will follow the project along the research process to ensure continuous adequacy with the needs and provide support. Following steps, allowing a remote data collection if needed, are proposed:
Conduct a brief thematic literature review
Develop tailored tools for primary standardized data collection adapted to the needs and destine to be administered by field data collectors:
List and define risk factors of interest for the study (based on contextual situation) and determinants of mental health framework (demographic data, economic situation, family composition, living conditions, professional information, etc.)
Build a questionnaire for general data collection.
Define and describe photographic documents requested (housing condition, way to work, workplace)
These tools are to be submitted to the steering committee for validation.
Identify sampling criteria and a sampling method to include 10-15 health staff currently working in Gaza.
Obtain needed validation by ethical committee.
In collaboration with Gaza field team, recruit, train and supervise field data collectors (3 persons).
Remotely accompany the standardized primary data collection by the data collectors that will:
Conduct focused observations for 8 hours periods with the health worker (way to work, time at work, way back home) and collect data on occurrence of risk factors as defined in point 1.a. during that observation period.
Administrate a general questionnaire with the health workers.
Provide requested photographic document
The researcher will conduct in-depths interviews with the health workers included in the study for the collection via teams meeting.
Perform a continuous analysis based on inductive / grounded theory social sciences methods based on validated framework on determinants of mental health framework and mental risk factors.
Provide an 8-10 pages report in a format suitable for potential peer review and publication, as well as raw primary data to MDM.
Provisional calendar
Required skills
Advanced degree in social science or related field
Solid experience in qualitative research methodology
In dept knowledge of the Palestinian context
Experience in activities related to mental health and/or to health system
Fluent in Arabic and English
Capacity to adapt to changes to communicate efficiently
Demonstrated analytical expertise
Experience in writing scientific articles
Application
Candidates are requested to provide:
An updated CV
A comprehensive technical proposition, highlighting the understanding:
of the research topic,
of the MDM’s specific needs and
objectives and the proficiency in social science methods
A proposed timeframe and budget
References of previous research work related to the area of research and/or the methodology
Interested candidate should provide a complete file including the above-mentioned elements to the following e-mail address [email protected] titled: “MdM-Assessment-Gaza" before 15/08/2024
المكان
قطاع غزة
موعد الإنتهاء
15, Aug
