scholarly journals 18 Socio-Demographic Associations of COVID Antibody in Multi-Ethnic Healthcare Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i1-i6
Author(s):  
M Patel ◽  
M Nair ◽  
E Pirozzoli ◽  
M C Cienfuegos ◽  
E Aitken

Abstract Introduction Healthcare workers are particularly susceptible to developing COVID-19 owing to close and frequent contact with COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to describe prevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies amongst healthcare workers within a hospital trust and examine factors associated with increased prevalence of this antibody. Methods Data was obtained over a 4-week period in 2020 from a cross-sectional prospective survey of healthcare workers serving a multi-ethnic inner-city population who had IgG SARS-COV-2 antibody. Multiple, overlapping sources of notification were implemented to promote the availability of the test. Anonymised socio-demographic data about staff members were cross referenced with data of the antibody tests. Results Of 7,013,6,212 (89%) staff undertook the antibody test during the study period. The overall detection rate of IgG SARS COV-2 antibody was 26%(1584/6212). Univariate analyses reveal that there were no differences in the prevalence rates in terms of gender or age. Compared to white staff members (18%), prevalence of the antibody was significantly greater in Black(38%) and Asian(27%) staff members. The combined prevalence for all BAME staff members was 32%. The prevalence rates of staff in general wards (43%) were significantly higher other areas of the trust. For staff in emergency medicine, intensive care and anaesthetics, prevalence was 23%, whereas for other clinical teams it was 21%. In terms of professional groups, prevalence rates were highest amongst nursing and allied clinical services (28%), followed by doctors (23%), whereas, it was lower for non-clinical staff(19%). Discussion This large multi-ethnic hospital-based study has described the prevalence of recent exposure to SARS-COV-2 infection amongst healthcare workers and determined socio-demographic associations of this prevalence including ethnicity, professional healthcare groups, and geographical areas of work in healthcare settings. The study provides information that may be useful in future COVID studies examining the role of antibody testing both in general populations as well as in healthcare settings.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 320-330
Author(s):  
Utako Sawada ◽  
Akihito Shimazu ◽  
Norito Kawakami ◽  
Yuki Miyamoto ◽  
Lisa Speigel ◽  
...  

Background: Good social climate and high work engagement are important factors affecting outcomes in healthcare settings. This study observed the effects of a program called Civility, Respect, and Engagement in the Workplace (CREW) on social climate and staff work engagement in a psychiatric ward of a Japanese hospital. Methods: The program comprised 18 sessions installed over six months, with each session lasting 30-min. Participation in the program was recommended to all staff members at the ward, including nurses, medical doctors, and others, but it was not mandatory. A serial cross-sectional study collected data at four time-points. Nurses (n = 17 to 22), medical doctors (n = 9 to 13), and others (n = 6 to 10) participated in each survey. The analysis of variance was used to evaluate the changes in the following dependent variables, the Essen climate evaluation schema (EssenCES), the CREW civility scale, and the Utrecht work engagement scale (UWES) over time. Result: We found no significant effects. The effect size (Cohen’s d) for EssenCES was 0.35 from baseline to post-installation for all staff members. Effect sizes for EssenCES for medical doctors and UWES for nurses were 0.79 and 0.56, respectively, from baseline to post-program. Conclusions: Differences in social climate and work engagement among Japanese healthcare workers between the baseline and post-installation of the CREW program were non-significant.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e042030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muna Alshekaili ◽  
Walid Hassan ◽  
Nazik Al Said ◽  
Fatima Al Sulaimani ◽  
Sathish Kumar Jayapal ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess and compare demographic and psychological factors and sleep status of frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in relation to non-frontline HCWs.Design, settings, participants and outcomesThis cross-sectional study was conducted from 8 April 2020 to 17 April 2020 using an online survey across varied healthcare settings in Oman accruing 1139 HCWs.The primary and secondary outcomes were mental health status and sociodemographic data, respectively. Mental health status was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and insomnia was evaluated by the Insomnia Severity Index. Samples were categorised into the frontline and non-frontline groups. χ2 and t-tests were used to compare groups by demographic data. The Mantel-Haenszel OR was used to compare groups by mental health outcomes adjusted by all sociodemographic factors.ResultsThis study included 1139 HCWs working in Oman. While working during the pandemic period, a total of 368 (32.3%), 388 (34.1%), 271 (23.8%) and 211 (18.5%) respondents were reported to have depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia, respectively. HCWs in the frontline group were 1.5 times more likely to report anxiety (OR=1.557, p=0.004), stress (OR=1.506, p=0.016) and insomnia (OR=1.586, p=0.013) as compared with those in the non-frontline group. No significant differences in depression status were found between the frontline and non-frontline groups (p=0.201).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the differential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on different grades of HCWs. This study suggests that frontline HCWs are disproportionally affected compared to non-frontline HCWs, with managing sleep–wake cycles and anxiety symptoms being highly endorsed among frontline HCWs. As psychosocial interventions are likely to be constrained owing to the pandemic, mental healthcare must first be directed to frontline HCWs.


Author(s):  
Gopal Lama ◽  
Lilee Shrestha ◽  
Nabin Karmacharya ◽  
Rekha Manandhar ◽  
Runa Jha

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (covid-19) is a highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). People who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 or are vaccinated with covid-19 vaccines are supposed to develop immunoglobulins and these immune responses in human body will determine the efficacy of the vaccines as well as help to discover new therapeutic options. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between April to June, 2021, assessing serum antibody titer from participants who had taken the first dose of covishieldTM vaccine (naïve as well as prior covid-19 infected individuals). Antibody testing was carried out with Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on Roche Cobas e 601 module. Twenty-eight of these participants had follow up repeat antibody test after second dose of vaccine. Results: A total of 122 participants with the first dose of CovishieldTM vaccine were all tested seropositive, antibody titer ranging from minimum of 2.95 U/mL to maximum 2500 U/mL. Average antibody titer was 308.9 U/mL for naive cohort and 1604 U/mL for prior covid-19 infection. In twenty-eight participants who had antibody titer measured after 1 month of second dose, average titer was 1459.7 U/mL for naïve cohort and 1803.4 U/mL for prior covid-19 infected individuals, which was statistically significant compared to antibody response after the first dose. Conclusions: Antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 following immunization was 100%, with significant development after second dose in naïve population while robust immune response was present after first dose in prior SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Momeni ◽  
Mehrdad Askarian ◽  
Hossein Azad ◽  
Mina Danaei

Background — Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Using cytotoxic drugs for cancer treatment is increased. The hazardous effects of occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs are challenging. Objective — This study aimed to compare the frequency of adverse effects and using personal protective equipment (PPE) between the staff of oncology wards and other hospital wards staff in Iran. Methods — A cross-sectional study with a control group was conducted on female staff members in educational hospitals, selected through convenience sampling. A data collection form was designed for this study. It includes demographic data, acute complications (allergic and neurologic reactions), chronic complications (infertility, menstrual disorders, malignancy, and congenital malformations), and use of PPE. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software through Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Results — The frequencies of chronic complications were not statistically different between the two groups. The frequency of itching (P=0.001), hair loss (P=0.003), itchy eyes (P=0.001), watery eyes (P=0.001), runny nose (P=0.003), headache (P=0.001), vertigo (P=0.007), and nausea (P=0.008) were significantly higher in oncology wards nurses. Among different PPE, only the frequency of using the mask (P= 0.001), and glasses (P=0.027) were significantly higher in the staff of oncology wards. Conclusion — Despite the frequency of acute complications of exposure to cytotoxic drugs, oncology staff does not fully adhere to the standard precautions. Providing effective training and emphasis on implementing accreditation laws can improve the existing situation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Figueiredo Costa ◽  
Igor Carmo Borges ◽  
Pedro Giavina-Bianchi ◽  
Lewis Buss ◽  
Carlos Henrique Mesquita Peres ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers (HW) are a vulnerable group to develop burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this study were to evaluate the perception of HW about the antibody test, and, secondarily, the prevalence of burnout and factors associated with burnout among HW who took the test.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated burnout among HW in a 600-bed building entirely dedicated to COVID-19 inpatients care at Hospital das Clinicas (HC), located in São Paulo, Brazil. The HW answered an online questionnaire that included questions on burnout, a single-item scale based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory; demographic data, professional category, type of Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) used, distancing from social support; and emotional reactions to their serology result. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to evaluate the risk of burnout.Outcomes: Among 4,417 HW tested, 528 (12.0%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 1,945 answered the questionnaire. Burnout was reported by 308 (15.8%); anxiety, tenseness, and depression associated with COVID-19 were reported by 344 (17.7%); 292 (15.1%); and 181(9.3%) of the participants, respectively. The risk factors for burnout were: being a physician [adjOR:1.604;(95%CI 1.604-1.080;p=0.019)]; a physiotherapist [adjOR:2.047;(95%CI:1.285–3.261;p=0.003)]; perceiving a decrease in public safety[adjOR:1.983;(95%CI:1.229–3.199;p=0.005)]; anxiety [adjOR:2.721;(95%CI:1.812–4.085;p=<0.001)], and depression associated with COVID-19[adjOR:2.071;(95%CI:1.308–3.279;p=0.002)]; and having negative feeling towards had a previously negative SARS-CoV-2 serology[adjOR:1,989;(95%CI:1.484-2.664; p<0.001)].Interpretation: Routine serological testing was one of the strategies used in our hospital to promote the well-being of HW. We observed that those who had negative feeling regarding testing negative to COVID-19 in previous serologies were at higher risk of burnout, suggesting that the risk of contracting the disease is a major stressor for HW.


Author(s):  
John T Wilkins ◽  
Elizabeth L Gray ◽  
Amisha Wallia ◽  
Lisa R Hirschhorn ◽  
Teresa R Zembower ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Identifying factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCW)s may help health systems optimize SARS-CoV-2 infection control strategies. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Northwestern HCW SARS-CoV-2 Serology Cohort Study. We used the Abbott Architect Nucleocapsid IgG assay to determine seropositivity. Logistic regression models (adjusted for demographics and self-reported community exposure to COVID-19) were fit to quantify the associations between occupation group, healthcare delivery tasks, and community exposure and seropositive status. Results 6,510 HCWs, including 1,794 nurses, and 904 non-patient facing administrators participated. The majority were women (79.6%), 74.9% were white, 9.7% were Asian, 7.3% were Hispanic and 3.1% were non-Hispanic Black. The crude prevalence of seropositivity was 4.8%(95% confidence interval (CI):4.6%-5.2%). Seropositivity varied by race/ethnicity as well as age, ranging from 4.2% to 9.6%. Out-of-hospital exposure to COVID-19 occurred in 9.3% of HCWs, 15.0%(95%CI:12.2-18.1%) of whom were seropositive; those with family members diagnosed with COVID-19 had a seropositivity rate of 54%(95%CI: 44.2%-65.2%). Support service workers 10.4%(95% CI:4.6-19.4%), medical assistants 10.1%(95% CI:5.5-16.6%), and nurses 7.6%(95% CI:6.4%-9.0%) had significantly higher seropositivity rates than administrators (referent) 3.3%(95%CI:2.3–4.4%). However, after adjustment, nursing was the only occupation group with a significantly higher odds (OR:1.9, 95%CI:1.3-2.9) of seropositivity. Exposure to patients receiving high-flow oxygen therapy, and hemodialysis was significantly associated with 45% and 57% higher odds for seropositive status, respectively. Conclusions HCWs are at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection from longer duration exposures to people infected with SARS-CoV-2 within healthcare settings and their communities of residence.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e017761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng-Li Huang ◽  
Qun Lu ◽  
Shan-Hong Fan ◽  
Zhi-Yong Zong ◽  
Tie-Ying Hou ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of sharp instrument injuries in hospital-based healthcare workers (HCWs) in mainland China and the contributing factors.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe data were derived from public hospitals.ParticipantsA total of 360 hospitals were recruited in the study, including 289 general hospitals and 71 specialised hospitals. Among them, 194 are tertiary-level hospitals and 166 are secondary level. The study population finally consisted of 223 149 hospital HCWs.Primary outcome measuresA questionnaire was designed based on the aim of the study. Profession of HCWs, workplace, circumstance and medical apparatus and instrument were covered in the survey. HCWs completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding details of sharp instrument injuries within the previous month. Prevalence estimates for the injuries were calculated for the overall HCWs and for subgroups according to profession, workplace, circumstance or instrument.ResultsWithin the included HCWs, the prevalence of sharp instrument injuries was 0.08 per person-month. Only 4.6% of the HCWs reported to their hospitals after injury. The highest number of injuries occurred in nursing staff (10.3%). Injuries took place most frequently on general wards (44.5%). The circumstances that involved most frequent injuries include surgical needle insertion, removing an arteriovenous needle from a patient and recapping the needle. Single-use syringe caused more injuries incidents than other instruments.ConclusionsThese results indicate that sharp instrument injuries have become a major occupational problem of HCWs in mainland China. Attentions need to be paid to the issue and strategies for preventing such injuries are needed.


2002 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 609-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Manuel ◽  
B. Henry ◽  
J. Hockin ◽  
M. Naus

Objective:To investigate the health behavior associated with influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) in long-term–care facilities.Design:A cross-sectional, self-administered survey of HCWs, augmented with focus groups to further examine attitudes toward influenza vaccination.Setting:Two long-term–care facilities participated in the survey. The focus groups were held at one of the two facilities.Participants:All HCWs were invited to participate in the survey and all nonmanagerial staff members were invited to participate in the focus groups. The response rate for the survey was 58% (231 of 401).Results:Vaccinated HCWs had a more positive attitude toward influenza vaccination and a greater belief that the vaccine is effective. This was not accompanied by differences in vaccine knowledge or values of potential preventive outcomes. Nonvaccinated respondents were more likely to believe that other preventive measures, such as washing hands, taking vitamins and supplements, eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and taking homeopathic or naturopathic medications, were more effective than vaccination. Additional findings from the focus groups suggest that HCWs believe that the main purpose of influenza vaccination programs is to protect residents' health at the expense, potential harm, and burden of responsibility of the staff.Conclusions:This study identifies challenges to and opportunities for improving vaccination rates among HCWs. A message that emphasizes the health benefits of vaccination to staff members, such as including vaccination as part of a staff “wellness” program, may improve the credibility of influenza immunization programs and coverage rates.(Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002;23:609-614).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megha L. Mehrotra ◽  
Esther Lim ◽  
Katherine Lamba ◽  
Amanda Kamali ◽  
Kristina W. Lai ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTImportanceUnderstanding how SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence varies regionally across California is critical to the public health response to the pandemic.ObjectiveTo estimate how many Californians have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from prior infection or vaccination.DesignWave 1 of CalScope: a repeated cross-sectional serosurvey of adults and children enrolled between April 20, 2021 and June 16, 2021.SettingA population-based random sample of households in seven counties in California (Alameda, El Dorado, Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Diego, and Shasta) were invited to complete an at-home SARS-CoV-2 antibody test and survey instrument.ParticipantsInvitations were sent to 200,000 randomly selected households in the seven counties. From each household, 1 adult (18 years and older) and 1 child (aged 6 months to 17 years) could enroll in the study. There were no exclusion criteria.Main Outcome(s) and MeasuresAll specimens were tested for antibodies against the nucleocapsid and spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2. The primary outcome was serostatus category, which was determined based on antibody test results and self-reported vaccination status: seronegative, antibodies from infection only, antibodies from infection and vaccination, and antibodies from vaccination alone. We used inverse probability of selection weights and iterative proportional fitting to account for non-response.Results11,161 households enrolled in wave 1 of CalScope, with 7,483 adults and 1,375 children completing antibody testing. As of June 2021, 27% (95%CI [23%, 31%]) of adults and 30% (95%CI [24%, 36%]) of children had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection; 33% (95%CI [28%, 37%]) of adults and 57% (95%CI [48%, 66%]) of children were seronegative. Serostatus varied regionally. Californians 65 years or older were most likely to have antibodies from vaccine alone (59%; 95%CI [48%, 69%]) and children between 5-11 years old were most likely to have antibodies from prior infection alone (36%; 95%CI [21%, 52%]).Conclusions and RelevanceAs of June 2021, a third of adults in California and most children under 18 remained seronegative. Seroprevalence varied regionally and by demographic group, suggesting that some regions or populations might remain more vulnerable to subsequent surges than others.Key PointsQuestionWhat is the prevalence of vaccine and infection derived antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in adults and children in California?FindingsIn this population-based serosurvey that included 11,161 households, as of June 2021, 33% of adults and 57% of children were seronegative; 18% of adults and 26% of children had antibodies from infection alone; 9% of adults and 5% of children had antibodies from both infection and vaccination; and 41% of adults and 13% of children had antibodies from vaccination alone.MeaningSerostatus varied considerably across geographic regions, suggesting that certain areas might be at increased risk for future COVID-19 surges.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Franck ◽  
Filip Haegdorens ◽  
Eva Goossens ◽  
Yannic van Gils ◽  
Michael Portzky ◽  
...  

Background: Constantly searching for a balance between work demands and their own physical and psychological health has challenged medical and nursing staff during the immediate wake of this COVID-19 viral epidemic leading to acute stress reactions and psychosomatic symptoms. Coping behavior might be a buffer for work-related stress in relation to mental well-being. The present study aims to evaluate the role of positive and negative stress-reducing activities on healthcare workers' mental and physical well-being.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using an online survey that was sent out using our network of healthcare workers at the University of Antwerp and through social media. Socio-demographic data, coping behavior with the Palliative Pallet Scale (P3), and distress and somatization using the Four-dimensional symptom checklist were collected. Surveys were completed by 1,376 participants.Results: The results clearly showed that positive stress-reducing activities are related to fewer symptoms of distress and somatization. Providing direct care to COVID-19 patients was associated with a higher decrease of applying positive stress-reducing activities during the peak of the pandemic compared to the ideal situation. Finally, fewer symptoms of distress and somatization were associated with the following activities: reading, mind sports games, keeping a hobby collection, studying; engaging in sexual activities with your partner; cleaning the house, tidying up, working in the garden, doing household chores; exercising alone; walking, or taking a trip together with someone; exercise together with someone; watching TV, listening/playing (to) music/, playing computer games; playing a card game or other board game; and preparing something extra tasteful outside regular meals.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated an association between concrete coping behaviors and distress and somatization in healthcare workers during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide relevant and additional insights to develop and investigate interventions among others in personal leadership and resilience.


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