Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among health care workers in a secondary teaching hospital in Spain

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a huge challenge to healthcare systems and their personnel worldwide. The study of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCW), through prevalence studies, will let us know viral expansion, individuals at most risk and the most exposed areas in healthcare organizations. The aim of this study is to gauge the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in our hospital workforce and identify groups and areas at increased risk. Methods and findings This is a cross-sectional and incidence study carried out on healthcare workers based on molecular and serological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 3013 HCW invited to participate, 2439 (80.9%) were recruited, including 674 (22.4%) who had previously consulted at the Occupational Health Service (OHS) for confirmed exposure and/or presenting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. A total of 411 (16.9%) and 264 (10.8%) healthcare workers were SARS-CoV-2 IgG and rRT-PCR positive, respectively. The cumulative prevalence considering all studies (IgG positive HCW and/or rRT-PCR positive detection) was 485 (19.9%). SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positive patients in whom the virus was not detected were 221 (9.1%); up to 151 of them (68.3%) did not report any compatible symptoms nor consult at the OHS for this reason. Men became more infected than women (25% vs 18.5%, p = 0.0009), including when data were also classified by age. COVID-19 cumulative prevalence among the HCW assigned to medical departments was higher (25.2%) than others, as well as among medical staff (25.4%) compared with other professional categories (p<0.01). Conclusions The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCW of our centre has been 19.9%. Doctors and medical services personnel have had the highest prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but many of them have not presented compatible symptoms. This emphasizes the performance of continuous surveillance methods of the most exposed health personnel and not only based on the appearance of symptoms.

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Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among health care workers in a secondary teaching hospital in Spain.

10.1101/2020.07.26.20162529 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Javier Garralda Fernandez ◽

Ignacio Molero Vilches ◽

Alfredo Bermejo Rodriguez ◽

Isabel Cano de Torres ◽

Elda I Colino Romay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Studies ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Care Workers ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Secondary Teaching ◽

The Impact ◽

Cumulative Prevalence ◽

Huge Challenge

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a huge challenge to healthcare systems and their personnel worldwide. The study of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers, through prevalence studies, will let us know viral expansion, individuals at most risk and the most exposed areas. The aim of this study is to gauge the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in our hospital workforce and identify groups and areas at increased risk. Methods and Findings. This is a cross-sectional and longitudinal study carried out on healthcare workers based on molecular and serological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 3013 HCW invited to participate, finally 2439 (80.9%) were recruited, including 674 (22.4%) who had previously consulted at the OHS for confirmed exposure and/or presenting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. A total of 411 (16.9%) and 264 (10.8%) healthcare workers were SARS-CoV-2 IgG and rRT-PCR positive, respectively. The cumulative prevalence considering all studies (IgG positive HCW and/or rRT-PCR positive detection) has been 485 (19.9%). SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positive patients in whom the virus was not detected were 221 (9.1%); up to 151 of them (68.3%) did not report any compatible symptoms nor consult at the OHS for this reason. Men became more infected than women (25% vs 18.5%, p=0.0009), including when data were also classified by age. COVID-19 cumulative prevalence among the HCW assigned to medical departments was higher (25.2%) than others, as well as among medical staff (25.4%) compared with other professional categories (p<0.01). Conclusions. Global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCW of our centre has been 19.9%. Doctors and medical services personnel have had the highest prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but many of them have not presented compatible symptoms. This emphasizes the performance of continuous surveillance methods of the most exposed health personnel and not only based on the appearance of symptoms.

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Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in previously undiagnosed health care workers in New Jersey, at the onset of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-020-05587-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Emily S. Barrett ◽

Daniel B. Horton ◽

Jason Roy ◽

Maria Laura Gennaro ◽

Andrew Brooks ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Absolute Risk ◽

Risk Difference ◽

Infection Rates ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Workers ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCW) are presumed to be at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to occupational exposure to infected patients. However, there has been little epidemiological research to assess these risks. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of HCW (n = 546) and non-healthcare workers (NHCW; n = 283) with no known prior SARS-CoV-2 infection who were recruited from a large U.S. university and two affiliated university hospitals. In this cross-sectional analysis of data collected at baseline, we examined SARS-CoV-2 infection status (as determined by presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in oropharyngeal swabs) by healthcare worker status and role. Results At baseline, 41 (5.0%) of the participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, of whom 14 (34.2%) reported symptoms. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was higher among HCW (7.3%) than in NHCW (0.4%), representing a 7.0% greater absolute risk (95% confidence interval for risk difference 4.7, 9.3%). The majority of infected HCW (62.5%) were nurses. Positive tests increased across the two weeks of cohort recruitment in line with rising confirmed cases in the hospitals and surrounding counties. Conclusions Overall, our results demonstrate that HCW had a higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection than NHCW. Continued follow-up of this cohort will enable us to monitor infection rates and examine risk factors for transmission.

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Prevalence of Seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2 among Health Care Workers in Tertiary COVID-19 Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

JOURNAL FOR CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH ◽

10.7860/jcdr/2021/46817.14599 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jemil S Makadia ◽

Mukesh G Gohel ◽

Chandan Chakrabarti ◽

Jayshree D Pethani

Keyword(s):

Occupational Exposure ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Workers ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Ancillary Staff ◽

General Service

Introduction: Healthcare Workers (HCW) are at increased risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to occupational exposure to infected patients and contaminated surfaces. Aim: To determine the prevalence of seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 among HCW in a tertiary COVID-19 designated hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1st July to 31st July, 2020 on 1333 HCWs. HCWs included doctors, nurses, lab personnel, general service assistants and ancillary staff who work in hospital. Anti SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies were measured in serum sample by chemiluminescent technique. Results: Prevalence of seropositivity was found in 27.76% (370 out of 1333). It was highest among general service assistant 34.76% (especially among house keeping staff, 43.44%) and lowest among doctors (19.33%). The percentage of seropositivity among asymptomatic HCWs was 24.84%. Conclusion: The percentage of seropositivity among asymptomatic HCWs indicates that a large amount of infection passes asymptomatically. The discrepancy between various job categories might be due to differential occupational exposure and risk, lack of awareness and seriousness regarding transmission and risk of getting infection, various demographic factors like literacy, residential environment, community prevalence etc.

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The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Jordanian Healthcare Workers

International Journal of Reliable and Quality E-Healthcare ◽

10.4018/ijrqeh.289635 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 0-0

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Early Stage ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Healthcare workers face incomparable work and psychological demands that are amplified throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care workers in Jordan. Method: A cross-sectional design was used. Data was collected using an online survey during the outbreak of COVID-19. Results: Overall, of the 312 healthcare workers, almost 38% and 36% presented with moderate to severe anxiety and depression consecutively. Nurses reported more severe symptoms than other healthcare workers. And both anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with well-being. Getting infected was not an immediate worry among healthcare workers; however, they were worried about carrying the virus to their families. Implications for Practice: Stakeholders must understand the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers and plan to provide them with the required psychological support and interventions at an early stage.

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PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF STRESS AMONG COVID 19 HEALTH WORKERS IN KABWE DISTRICT: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

10.1101/2021.12.20.21267832 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Leah L. Mukwasa ◽

Emmy Nkhama ◽

Mowa Zambwe ◽

Richard Mutemwa ◽

Peter J. Chipimo

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Workers ◽

The Impact ◽

Depth Interviews

This study aimed at determining the magnitude of stress among COVID 19 health workers in Kabwe district. METHODS The study was a cross-sectional study which recruited 138 health care workers managing COVID 19 cases in Kabwe. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 while qualitative data was analyzed using Nvivo8. RESULTS The study obtained 100% responses from the respondents and the prevalence of stress among the respondents was 73%. The nurses were more perceived to experience stress compared to the pharmacy personnel (28% vs. 3%). Similarly, women displayed a higher likelihood of experiencing stress compared to men. Lack of support, increased workload and fear were among the factors leading to stress. CONCLUSION The study went out to determine stress among healthcare workers in Kabwe district. It was established that nurses were more vulnerable than groups. And women were found to be more stressed than men. It is therefore recommended that effective and meaningful interventions be put in place to mitigate the impact of long-term psychological distress and physical well-being in healthcare workers during the COVID 19 pandemic and future outbreaks.

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Acute psychological effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak among healthcare workers in China: a cross-sectional study

Translational Psychiatry ◽

10.1038/s41398-020-01031-w ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ying Wang ◽

Simeng Ma ◽

Can Yang ◽

Zhongxiang Cai ◽

Shaohua Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Early Period ◽

Psychological Effects ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protection Measures ◽

Event Scale ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Abstract To study the acute psychological effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak among healthcare workers (HCWs) in China, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCWs during the early period of COVID-19 outbreak. The acute psychological effects including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD was estimated at 15.0%, 27.1%, and 9.8%, respectively. Having an intermediate technical title, working at the frontline, receiving insufficient training for protection, and lacking confidence in protection measures were significantly associated with increased risk for depression and anxiety. Being a nurse, having an intermediate technical title, working at the frontline, and lacking confidence in protection measures were risk factors for PTSD. Meanwhile, not worrying about infection was a protective factor for developing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Psychological interventions should be implemented among HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak to reduce acute psychological effects and prevent long-term psychological comorbidities. Meanwhile, HCWs should be well trained and well protected before their frontline exposure.

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Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Nepali Health Care Workers during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Survey

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.6747 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 59 (238) ◽

Author(s):

Ishwor Sharma ◽

Anurag Misra ◽

Bipin Kumar Shrestha ◽

Arun Kumar Koirala ◽

Anita Banjade ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Substantial Impact ◽

Care Workers ◽

The World ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Studies among health care workers from different part of world during the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic have reported substantial impact on their physical, mental and emotional well-being. This study measured the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on the mental health of Nepali healthcare workers in different parts of the world during the pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out from December 25, 2020 to Jan 25, 2021. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (reference number: 372). Online questionnaire including demographic profiles and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 instrument were sent to Nepali healthcare workers around the world through social media apps using convenience sampling. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel for Mac version 16.49 and analysed. Results: Among 208 who participated in the study, 62 (30%) participants were positive for anxiety, 47 (22.5%) for depression and 25 (12%) for stress. Higher prevalence of depression 18 (30%) and stress 10 (17%) was found in nurses compared to paramedics, among whom depression was seen in 5 (20%) and stress in 4 (16%). Among doctors, depression was found in 24 (19%) and stress in 11 (9%). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a high proportion of healthcare workers were suffering from depression, anxiety and stress. Our findings are similar to the data from other national and international studies.

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SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

Thorax ◽

10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215414 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 75 (12) ◽

pp. 1089-1094 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Adrian Shields ◽

Sian E Faustini ◽

Marisol Perez-Toledo ◽

Sian Jossi ◽

Erin Aldera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Sectional Study ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

General Internal ◽

Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo determine the rates of asymptomatic viral carriage and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers.DesignA cross-sectional study of asymptomatic healthcare workers undertaken on 24/25 April 2020.SettingUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), UK.Participants545 asymptomatic healthcare workers were recruited while at work. Participants were invited to participate via the UHBFT social media. Exclusion criteria included current symptoms consistent with COVID-19. No potential participants were excluded.InterventionParticipants volunteered a nasopharyngeal swab and a venous blood sample that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies, respectively. Results were interpreted in the context of prior illnesses and the hospital departments in which participants worked.Main outcome measureProportion of participants demonstrating infection and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology.ResultsThe point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral carriage was 2.4% (n=13/545). The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24.4% (n=126/516). Participants who reported prior symptomatic illness had higher seroprevalence (37.5% vs 17.1%, χ2=21.1034, p<0.0001) and quantitatively greater antibody responses than those who had remained asymptomatic. Seroprevalence was greatest among those working in housekeeping (34.5%), acute medicine (33.3%) and general internal medicine (30.3%), with lower rates observed in participants working in intensive care (14.8%). BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) ethnicity was associated with a significantly increased risk of seropositivity (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.23, p=0.01). Working on the intensive care unit was associated with a significantly lower risk of seropositivity compared with working in other areas of the hospital (OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.78, p=0.02).Conclusions and relevanceWe identify differences in the occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 between hospital departments and confirm asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in healthcare workers. Further investigation of these observations is required to inform future infection control and occupational health practices.

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COVID-19 Psychological Impact on Health Care Workers in Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18116076 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 6076

Author(s):

Hasan S. Alamri ◽

Wesam F. Mousa ◽

Abdullah Algarni ◽

Shehata F. Megahid ◽

Ali Al Bshabshe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Psychological Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Workers ◽

The Impact

Objective: Little is known about the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) among the health care workers in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 among the health care workers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May till mid-July among 389 health care workers from government and private hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a pre-structured online questionnaire that measured adverse psychological outcomes, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. The Pearson chi-square test was used to assess the distribution of depression and anxiety among health care workers. Results: A high level of anxiety was recorded among the health care workers, and 69.3% of health care workers below the age of 40 were found to have depression. There was a significant increase in depression among staff with chronic health problems (72.1% vs. 61.9%; p = 0.048). High anxiety levels were detected among young staff compared to others (68.7% vs. 43.8%; p = 0.001). Moreover, 82.1% of the female staff were anxious, as compared to 55.6% of the males (p = 0.001). Conclusions: We found increased prevalence of adverse psychological outcomes among the health care workers in Saudi Arabia during the outbreak of COVID-19. Therefore, there is a need for proper screening and development of corresponding preventive measures to decrease the adverse psychological outcomes.

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Eastern Cape Healthcare Workers Acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 (ECHAS): Cross-Sectional (Nested Cohort) Study Protocol

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18010323 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 323

Author(s):

Oladele Vincent Adeniyi ◽

David Stead ◽

Mandisa Singata-Madliki ◽

Joanne Batting ◽

Leo Hyera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Infection Rate ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Health Facilities ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Eastern Cape ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection by the virulent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Though data exist on the positivity rate of the SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as well as COVID-19-related deaths amongst HCWs in South Africa, the overall infection rate remains underestimated by these indicators. It is also unclear whether the humoral immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection offers durable protection against reinfection. This study will assess the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence amongst HCWs in the Eastern Cape (EC) and examine the longitudinal changes (rate of decay) in the antibody levels after infection in this cohort. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling of healthcare workers in selected health facilities in the EC, a cross-sectional study of 2250 participants will be recruited. In order to assess the community infection rate, 750 antenatal women in the same settings will be recruited. Relevant demographic and clinical characteristics will be obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. A chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) will be used for the qualitative detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. A nested cohort study will be conducted by performing eight-weekly antibody assays (X2) from 201 participants who tested positive for both SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and serology. Logistic regression models will be fitted to identify the independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cumulative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and infection fatality rate among the frontline HCWs will be estimated. In addition, the study will highlight the overall effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures (IPC) per exposure sites/wards at the selected health facilities. Findings will inform the South African Department of Health’s policies on how to protect HCWs better as the country prepares for the second wave of the SARS-CoV pandemic.

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