COVID-19 Symptoms and Deaths Among Health Care Workers in the United States

Abstract

Background: While most COVID-19 research has focused on older individuals with multi-comorbidities, few studies have assessed the predictors of fatality among health care workers (HCWs). This study evaluated if demographics and COVID-19 symptomatology predicted COVID-19 fatality and the temporal trends and spatial distribution among HCWs.Methods: We used a case-control design to compare HCW deaths related to COVID-19 (laboratory-confirmed) with three control groups (i.e., Non-HCW deaths, HCW non-deaths, and non-HCW non-deaths). Patient-level data with 33 variables, including COVID-19 confirmed cases, deaths, demographics, and various specific COVID symptoms reported by all states in the US, have been obtained from the Restricted Access Dataset by the US CDC since January 2020. A logistic regression model was used by regressing the outcome variable against each predictor while controlling for gender, age group, race, and ethnicity.Results: The percentages of 50-69 years old, Hispanics (8.7%), Black (32%), and Asian (23.1%) in HCW death were significantly higher than in their respective controls. The fatality and all severe indicators were higher among the deaths than non-deaths, but not different for HCWs than non-HCWs. Significantly increased risks for deaths were observed with pre-existing medical conditions (RR: 7.24, 95% CI: 5.40-9.70), shortness of breath (RR: 5.73, 95% CI:4.50-7.31), fever (RR:3.52, 95% CI: 2.71-4.56), cough (RR:2.02, 95% CI: 1.54-2.65), and diarrhea (RR: 1.57, 95% CI:1.20-2.05). Conclusion: Older and minority HCWs experienced relatively higher COVID-19 fatality. Severe symptoms are similarly prevalent among HCW deaths and non-HCW deaths. Pre-existing medical conditions, shortness of breath and fever symptoms may be critical COVID indicators for HCWs.