COVID-19 seroprevalence in primary and secondary healthcare workers (HCWs)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory P. Murphy ◽  
Catherine Garry ◽  
Susan Van Baarsel ◽  
Tina Coleman ◽  
Ben Shovlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Detectable Antibody ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Seroprevalence Data ◽  
Observational Cohort ◽  
And Control

Professional anxiety existed early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with challenging infection prevention and control support. The aims of this study were to compare epidemiological features of healthcare workers (HCWs) within primary and secondary care with their serological evidence of infection. A prospective observational cohort of 1,916 HCWs completed a questionnaire, and their sera were assayed for detectable antibody to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleoprotein in the first wave of the pandemic. Datasets were compared between the two sub-cohorts in primary and secondary care and between the combined seropositive and seronegative cohorts. Curiosity of antibody status was high. Detectable antibody was 7% in the primary care and 5% in the secondary care workers at a time of 1.7% in the general community. Inappropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) was more common in primary care, and detectable antibody was twice as prevalent in HCWs who felt they did not have appropriate PPE. Contact tracing was perceived to be inadequate although it was more commonly performed in the seropositive cohort suggesting appropriate prioritisation. Both temperature and symptom checking alerts and work exclusion were significantly more prevalent in the seropositive cohort. The seroprevalence data support increased risk for HCWs, the importance of appropriate PPE and the usefulness of the daily temperature and symptom checks, particularly in primary care.

Barriers to infection prevention and control practice among Amhara region teaching hospitals in Ethiopia: Qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Walelegn Worku Yallew ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Feleke Moges Yehuala
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Amhara Region ◽  
Implementation Barriers ◽  
Control Practice ◽  
And Control

Healthcare workers have good perception towards infection prevention, but there has been a poor practice towards it. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore barriers to practice of infection prevention and control practice in teaching hospitals in Amhara region. A phenomenological approach used to explore the lived experience of healthcare workers and management staffs towards infection prevention practice and control. The data was collected from ten in-depth interviews and 23 focus group discussion participants, by face to face interview using open ended interview performed in safe and quiet places. Data was managed using OpenCode software version 4.03 and contents were analyzed thematically. Totally ten different barriers were identified, such as availability of facilities, shortage of material supply, lack of maintenance of facilities and equipment, high patient flow, experience, emergency situation, healthcare worker behaviour and healthcare worker’s information about infection prevention, low awareness of patients and visitors and overflow of families and visitors to the hospital. For effective infection prevention practice implementation, barriers should be considered via identifying specific organizational, healthcare worker, patients and visitors as targets.

scholarly journals Safer primary healthcare facilities are needed to protect healthcare workers and maintain essential services: lessons learned from a multicountry COVID-19 emergency response initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. e005833
Author(s):  
Leena N Patel ◽  
Samantha Kozikott ◽  
Rodrigue Ilboudo ◽  
Moreen Kamateeka ◽  
Mohammed Lamorde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
National Level ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Health Facility Level ◽  
Ensure Patient Safety ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Facility Level

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 and other disease pathogens, which take a disproportionate toll on HCWs, with substantial cost to health systems. Improved infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes can protect HCWs, especially in resource-limited settings where the health workforce is scarcest, and ensure patient safety and continuity of essential health services. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated with ministries of health and development partners to implement an emergency initiative for HCWs at the primary health facility level in 22 African countries. Between April 2020 and January 2021, the initiative trained 42 058 front-line HCWs from 8444 health facilities, supported longitudinal supervision and monitoring visits guided by a standardised monitoring tool, and provided resources including personal protective equipment (PPE). We documented significant short-term improvements in IPC performance, but gaps remain. Suspected HCW infections peaked at 41.5% among HCWs screened at monitored facilities in July 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic in Africa. Disease-specific emergency responses are not the optimal approach. Comprehensive, sustainable IPC programmes are needed. IPC needs to be incorporated into all HCW training programmes and combined with supportive supervision and mentorship. Strengthened data systems on IPC are needed to guide improvements at the health facility level and to inform policy development at the national level, along with investments in infrastructure and sustainable supplies of PPE. Multimodal strategies to improve IPC are critical to make health facilities safer and to protect HCWs and the communities they serve.

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

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.

scholarly journals Improving knowledge, attitudes and practice to prevent COVID-19 transmission in healthcare workers and the public in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rapeephan R. Maude ◽  
Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal ◽  
Sumawadee Skuntaniyom ◽  
Thanomvong Muntajit ◽  
Stuart D. Blacksell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
The Public ◽  
Educational Videos ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Key infection prevention and control measures to limit transmission of COVID-19 include social distancing, hand hygiene, use of facemasks and personal protective equipment. However, these have limited or no impact if not applied correctly through lack of knowledge, inappropriate attitude or incorrect practice. In order to maximise the impact of infection prevention and control measures on COVID-19 spread, we undertook a study to assess and improve knowledge, attitudes and practice among 119 healthcare workers and 100 general public in Thailand. The study setting was two inpatient hospitals providing COVID-19 testing and treatment. Detailed information on knowledge, attitudes and practice among the general public and healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 transmission and its prevention were obtained from a combination of questionnaires and observations. Results Knowledge of the main transmission routes, commonest symptoms and recommended prevention methods was mostly very high (> 80%) in both groups. There was lower awareness of aerosols, food and drink and pets as sources of transmission; of the correct duration for handwashing; recommended distance for social/physical distancing; and about recommended types of face coverings. Information sources most used and most trusted were the workplace, work colleagues, health workers and television. The results were used to produce a set of targeted educational videos which addressed many of these gaps with subsequent improvements on retesting in a number of areas. This included improvements in handwashing practice with an increase in the number of areas correctly washed in 65.5% of the public, and 57.9% of healthcare workers. The videos were then further optimized with feedback from participants followed by another round of retesting. Conclusions Detailed information on gaps in knowledge, attitudes and practice among the general public and healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 transmission and its prevention were obtained from a combination of questionnaires and observations. This was used to produce targeted educational videos which addressed these gaps with subsequent improvements on retesting. The resulting videos were then disseminated as a resource to aid in efforts to fight COVID-19 in Thailand and worldwide.

scholarly journals Rapid decline of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among infected healthcare workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Marot ◽  
◽  
Isabelle Malet ◽  
Valentin Leducq ◽  
Karen Zafilaza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
And Control

AbstractThere are only few data concerning persistence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) among SARS-CoV-2-infected healthcare workers (HCW). These individuals are particularly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and at potential risk of reinfection. We followed 26 HCW with mild COVID-19 three weeks (D21), two months (M2) and three months (M3) after the onset of symptoms. All the HCW had anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgA at D21, decreasing to 38.5% at M3 (p < 0.0001). Concomitantly a significant decrease in NAb titers was observed between D21 and M2 (p = 0.03) and between D21 and M3 (p < 0.0001). Here, we report that SARS-CoV-2 can elicit a NAb response correlated with anti-RBD antibody levels. However, this neutralizing activity declines, and may even be lost, in association with a decrease in systemic IgA antibody levels, from two months after disease onset. This short-lasting humoral protection supports strong recommendations to maintain infection prevention and control measures in HCW, and suggests that periodic boosts of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may be required.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayat Mushcab ◽  
Jaffar Al-Tawfiq ◽  
Mohammed Ghamdi ◽  
Amani Babgi ◽  
Abdulrazack Amir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Seroconversion Rate ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
And Control ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire

Abstract Background The nature of the healthcare workers' jobs standing at the frontline against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) puts them at a higher risk of unknowingly contracting the disease and potentially contributing to the spread. This study aims to assess the overall positive seroconversion prevalence of SARS-CoV-2. Methods This is a longitudinal cohort study of healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital serving patients in several districts in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited between June - December 2020. Each participant had a serology blood test and completed the World Health Organization's risk factors assessment questionnaire. Results This study included 682 participants working in any capacity at a tertiary hospital, representing 15.7% of our population. Only 87 participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, a prevalence of 12.7% of all participants. Of the 87 participants, 17 participants never tested positive for COVID-19 rt-PCR before the study, a prevalence of 2.9%. Moreover, the improper technique of using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water after the risk of body fluid exposure and wearing personal protective equipment when indicated were found to be statistically significant to having positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay with P=0.02, P=0.03, and CI: 95% respectively. Conclusion Positive seroconversion rate was considerably low during the first wave of COVID-19 amongst our healthcare workers and similar to other healthcare organizations in Saudi Arabia. Seropositivity correlated significantly with adherence to infection prevention and control recommendations.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Occupational Transmission of Tuberculosis among Healthcare Workers in Zambia

2020 ◽  
pp. 59-65
Author(s):  
Namaunga Kasumu Chisompola ◽  
Kapambwe Mwape Kamanga ◽  
Pipina Vlahakis Matafwali
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Prolonged Contact ◽  
And Control

Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a critical role in the management and control of nosocomial transmission of tuberculosis (TB). At the same time, working in TB healthcare facilities such as hospital wards, diagnostic and treatment facilities increases the risk of acquiring TB due to occupational exposure in HCWs. The risk is further heightened in high TB prevalence populations, such as Zambia, as HCWs are exposed both occupationally and in the community. This review aims to provide a better understanding of the risk factors associated with occupational transmission of TB in HCWs in Zambia, by synthesising available data on TB in HCWs in Zambia and the surrounding region. A search of peer reviewed original research on the transmission of TB among HCWs in Zambia was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible for inclusion in the analysis if they described TB amongst HCWs in Zambia, risk factors for TB in HCWs, and nosocomial transmission of TB in Zambia and the surrounding region. The prevalence of TB in HCWs has been demonstrated to be higher than that of the general population. Transmission of TB in healthcare facilities is driven by several factors centred on the lack of adherence to TB infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Nosocomial transmission of TB in HCWs is further driven by the HIV epidemic and the rise in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes mellitus. However, there is very scarce data on the association of diabetes mellitus and TB among HCWs in Zambia. Prolonged contact with TB patients on wards has been demonstrated to play a vital role in occupational transmission of TB amongst nurses in Zambia. To curb the transmission of TB in HCWs several measures will require implementation such as; administrative support, IPC training and annual TB and HIV screening for all HCWs.

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