scholarly journals Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Amongst Healthcare Workers in a COVID-19 Designated Hospital

Author(s):  
Sarah Al Youha ◽  
Osama Alowaish ◽  
Islam K. Ibrahim ◽  
Mohammad Alghounaim ◽  
Ghada A. Abu-Sheasha ◽  
...  
BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e043584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph E Ebinger ◽  
Gregory J Botwin ◽  
Christine M Albert ◽  
Mona Alotaibi ◽  
Moshe Arditi ◽  
...  

ObjectiveWe sought to determine the extent of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and the factors associated with seroprevalence across a diverse cohort of healthcare workers.DesignObservational cohort study of healthcare workers, including SARS-CoV-2 serology testing and participant questionnaires.SettingsA multisite healthcare delivery system located in Los Angeles County.ParticipantsA diverse and unselected population of adults (n=6062) employed in a multisite healthcare delivery system located in Los Angeles County, including individuals with direct patient contact and others with non-patient-oriented work functions.Main outcomesUsing Bayesian and multivariate analyses, we estimated seroprevalence and factors associated with seropositivity and antibody levels, including pre-existing demographic and clinical characteristics; potential COVID-19 illness-related exposures; and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection.ResultsWe observed a seroprevalence rate of 4.1%, with anosmia as the most prominently associated self-reported symptom (OR 11.04, p<0.001) in addition to fever (OR 2.02, p=0.002) and myalgias (OR 1.65, p=0.035). After adjusting for potential confounders, seroprevalence was also associated with Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.98, p=0.001) and African-American race (OR 2.02, p=0.027) as well as contact with a COVID-19-diagnosed individual in the household (OR 5.73, p<0.001) or clinical work setting (OR 1.76, p=0.002). Importantly, African-American race and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with antibody positivity even after adjusting for personal COVID-19 diagnosis status, suggesting the contribution of unmeasured structural or societal factors.Conclusion and relevanceThe demographic factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among our healthcare workers underscore the importance of exposure sources beyond the workplace. The size and diversity of our study population, combined with robust survey and modelling techniques, provide a vibrant picture of the demographic factors, exposures and symptoms that can identify individuals with susceptibility as well as potential to mount an immune response to COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-107060
Author(s):  
Laura Milazzo ◽  
Alessia Lai ◽  
Laura Pezzati ◽  
Letizia Oreni ◽  
Annalisa Bergna ◽  
...  

ObjectivesHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this single-centre prospective study was to evaluate the trend of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCWs working at the primary referral centre for infectious diseases and bioemergencies (eg, COVID-19) in Northern Italy and investigate the factors associated with seroconversion.MethodsSix hundred and seventy-nine HCW volunteers were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies three times between 4 March and 27 May 2020 and completed a questionnaire covering COVID-19 exposure, symptoms and personal protective equipment (PPE) training and confidence at each time.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rose from 3/679 to 26/608 (adjusted prevalence: 0.5%, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.7% and 5.4%, 95% CI 3.6 to 7.9, respectively) between the first two time points and then stabilised, in line with the curve of the COVID-19 epidemic in Milan. From the first time point, 61.6% of the HCWs had received training in the use of PPE and 17 (61.5%) of those who proved to be seropositive reported symptoms compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Contacts with ill relatives or friends and self-reported symptoms were independently associated with an increased likelihood of seroconversion (p<0.0001 for both), whereas there was no significant association with professional exposure.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the HCWs at our COVID-19 referral hospital was low at the time of the peak of the epidemic. The seroconversions were mainly attributable to extrahospital contacts, probably because the hospital readily adopted effective infection control measures. The relatively high number of asymptomatic seropositive HCWs highlights the need to promptly identify and isolate potentially infectious HCWs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 765-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
E N Kisangau ◽  
A Awour ◽  
B Juma ◽  
D Odhiambo ◽  
T Muasya ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a vaccine-preventable infection that can spread in healthcare setting. Data on HBV infections and vaccine in African healthcare workers (HCWs) are limited. We estimated HBV infection prevalence, hepatitis B vaccination status and identified factors associated with vaccination in one Kenyan county. Methods Randomly selected HCWs completed a questionnaire about HBV exposure and self-reported immunization histories, and provided blood for testing of selected HBV biomarkers to assess HBV infection and vaccination status: HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV surface antibodies (anti-HBs). Prevalence odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to identify factors associated with vaccination. Results Among 312 HCWs surveyed, median age was 31 years (range: 19–67 years). Of 295 blood samples tested, 13 (4%) were anti-HBc and HBsAg-positive evidencing chronic HBV infection; 139 (47%) had protective anti-HBs levels. Although 249 (80%) HCWs received ≥1 HBV vaccine dose, only 119 (48%) received all three recommended doses. Complete vaccination was more likely among those working in hospitals compared to those working in primary healthcare facilities (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4–4.3). Conclusion We recommend strengthening county HCW vaccination, and collecting similar data nationally to guide HBV prevention and control.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Naldi ◽  
Fabrizio Vallelonga ◽  
Alessandra Di Liberto ◽  
Roberto Cavallo ◽  
Monica Agnesone ◽  
...  

Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused drastic changes in healthcare and severe social restrictions. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the front line against the virus and have been highly exposed to pandemic-related stressors, but there are limited data on their psychological involvement for a large sample in Italy. Aims To investigate the prevalence of anxiety, distress and burnout in HCWs of North-West Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to detect potential psychosocial factors associated with their emotional response. Method This cross-sectional, survey-based study enrolled 797 HCWs. Participants completed the Impact of Event Scale – Revised, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – Form Y and the Maslach Burnout Inventory; demographic, family and work characteristics were also collected. Global psychological outcome, differences among professions and independent factors associated with worst psychological outcome were assessed. Results Almost a third of the sample had severe state anxiety and distress, high emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, and low personal accomplishment. Distress was higher in women and nurses, whereas depersonalisation was higher in men. Family division, increased workload, job changes and frequent contact with COVID-19 were associated with worst psychological outcome. Trait anxiety was associated with significantly higher risk for developing state anxiety, distress and burnout. Conclusions An elevated psychological burden related to the COVID-19 pandemic was observed in HCWs of North-West Italy. The identification of family and work characteristics and a psychological pre-existing condition as factors associated with worst psychological outcome may help provide a tailored, preventive, organisational and psychological approach in counteracting the psychological effects of future pandemics.


2012 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanusha Singh ◽  
Braimoh Bello ◽  
Mohamed F. Jeebhay

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 889-896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Jiang ◽  
Allison McGeer ◽  
Shelly McNeil ◽  
Kevin Katz ◽  
Mark Loeb ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground:Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of acquiring and transmitting respiratory viruses while working in healthcare settings.Objectives:To investigate the incidence of and factors associated with HCWs working during an acute respiratory illness (ARI).Methods:HCWs from 9 Canadian hospitals were prospectively enrolled in active surveillance for ARI during the 2010–2011 to 2013–2014 influenza seasons. Daily illness diaries during ARI episodes collected information on symptoms and work attendance.Results:At least 1 ARI episode was reported by 50.4% of participants each study season. Overall, 94.6% of ill individuals reported working at least 1 day while symptomatic, resulting in an estimated 1.9 days of working while symptomatic and 0.5 days of absence during an ARI per participant season. In multivariable analysis, the adjusted relative risk of working while symptomatic was higher for physicians and lower for nurses relative to other HCWs. Participants were more likely to work if symptoms were less severe and on the illness onset date compared to subsequent days. The most cited reason for working while symptomatic was that symptoms were mild and the HCW felt well enough to work (67%). Participants were more likely to state that they could not afford to stay home if they did not have paid sick leave and were younger.Conclusions:HCWs worked during most episodes of ARI, most often because their symptoms were mild. Further data are needed to understand how best to balance the costs and risks of absenteeism versus those associated with working while ill.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S374-S374
Author(s):  
Natalia Blanco ◽  
Sarah S Jackson ◽  
Lisa Pineles ◽  
Kerri A Thom ◽  
Anthony D Harris

Abstract Background Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is transmitted from person-to-person, most commonly by healthcare workers (HCW) whose hands or attire have become contaminated while interacting with an infected or colonized patient. Our group recently found that VRE colonized patients transmitted this pathogen to HCW gowns or gloves 15% of the time. This study aims to describe patient-level factors associated with higher risk of transmission of VRE to HCW gowns or gloves and thus likely to subsequent patients. Methods We analyzed a prospective cohort that included 43 VRE-colonized patients and 215 HCW-patient interactions in medical or surgical intensive care units at the University of Maryland Medical Center. HCWs’ gowns and gloves were cultured for VRE after performing patient care and before doffing. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models, using generalized estimating equations to account for patient clustering, were used to estimate the odds ratios associated with specific patient-level factors (i.e., age, race, Elixhauser comorbidity score components obtained by ICD-10 codes, diarrhea, and devices). Multivariable models with and without stool VRE burden were created. Results In the initial multivariable model, having a nasogastric tube, diarrhea, complicated diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis/collagen vascular diseases, neurological disorders or psychoses doubled (OR greater than 2) the patient’s risk of VRE transmission. After adjusting for VRE stool burden (OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.5–3.0)), having a nasogastric tube (OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.3–9.8)), diarrhea (OR 3.3 (95% CI 1.4–8.1)), or rheumatoid arthritis/collagen vascular diseases (OR 4.8 (95% CI 1.6–14.7)) remained significant in the model. Conclusion Patient-level factors associated with higher risk of VRE transmission to HCW gowns or gloves were identified even after adjusting for VRE stool burden, highlighting the importance of patient characteristics in VRE transmission. These patient-level factors may facilitate transmission by either increasing VRE stool shedding to the environment or the need for direct HCW-patient contact. These factors could be used to target more aggressive infection control interventions for these patients. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


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