Prevalence and Factors Associated with Covid-19 Infection and Mortality Among Frontline Healthcare Workers in Kaduna State

Abstract

This study in Kaduna State, Nigeria, examined the prevalence, and factors as associated with COVID-19 infection and mortality among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in a descriptive, cross- sectional study, where data of HCWs from secondary source, Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS), was exported to Microsoft excel and evaluated using SPSS version 26 to provide a snapshot of the vaccine uptake among HCWs in Kaduna state. The study population were all healthcare workers in Kaduna State, Nigeria that were tested for COVID-19 from the onset of the pandemic in Kaduna to 29th August 2022. The consents of all persons were obtained prior to testing data upload to the electronic platform of SORMAS. Prevalence of COVID-19 infection was notably higher pre-vaccination (12%) but dropped to 5.9% post-vaccination, showcasing the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing HCW infections. However, COVID-19-related mortality rates remained relatively consistent, irrespective of vaccination status. Demographics played a role in infection risk. Female HCWs, urban dwellers, and those with higher education levels faced elevated infection risks. Additionally, close contacts with probable COVID-19 cases increased infection likelihood. Concerning mortality, males experienced more COVID-19-related deaths, but no significant links were found with age, residential area, or contact history. Symptoms significantly associated with COVID-19 infection included fever, abdominal pain, cough, sore throat, loss of taste, and loss of smell. The prevalence of COVID-19 infection among the HCWs was higher before the COVID-19 vaccination was introduced (12%) compared to after the vaccine was introduced in Kaduna State. These findings offer valuable insights into the pandemic’s impact on frontline workers in Nigeria’s Kaduna State. Keywords: COVID-19, Healthcare workers (HCWs), Infection, Vaccination, Mortality, Prevalence, Risk factors, Symptoms, mental, Psychological.