The COVID-19 Pandemic and Health and Care Workers: Findings From a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2020–2021)

Abstract

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted health and care workers (HCW) globally, whom are considered at greater risk of infection and death. This study aims to document emerging evidence on disease prevalence, clinical outcomes, and vaccination rates of HCWs.Methods: Three databases were surveyed resulting on 108 final articles between July–December 2020 (period 1) and January–June 2021 (period 2).Results: Amongst the overall 980,000 HCWs identified, in period 1, the estimates were 6.1% (95% CI, 4.1–8.8) for the PCR positivity rate. Regarding outcomes, the hospitalization prevalence was 1.6% (95% CI, 0.7–3.9), and mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1–0.8). In period 2, the PCR positivity rate was 8.1% (95% CI, 4.6–13.8). Analysis of outcomes revealed a hospitalization rate of 0.7% (95% CI 0.3–1.8), and average mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–0.9). Our analysis indicated a HCW vaccination rate of 59.0% (95% CI, 39.4–76.1).Conclusion: Studies from the latter half of 2020 to the first half of 2021 showed a slight increasing trend in PCR positivity among HCW, along with improved clinical outcomes in the 1-year period of exposure. These results correlate well with the improving uptake of COVID-19 vaccination globally.

COVID‐19 in hematopoietic stem‐cell transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical characteristics and outcomes

“…The meta‐analysis revealed a high pooled prevalence of death among HSCT patients, with 17.0% in the entire population, 17.0% post allogeneic‐HSCT and 14% post autologous‐HSCT. In contrast, another meta‐analysis, which included 980,000 healthcare workers with confirmed COVID‐19, reported a pooled lethality rate of 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1–0.8) among the infected individuals 27 . On 21 June 2023, the global COVID‐19 mortality rate was reported to be 0.9% 28 .…”

“…In contrast, another metaanalysis, which included 980,000 healthcare workers with confirmed COVID-19, reported a pooled lethality rate of 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1-0.8) among the infected individuals. 27 On 21 June 2023, the global COVID-19 mortality rate was reported to be 0.9%. 28 These findings indicate a significantly higher mortality rate in HSCT patients compared to the general population.…”

The sociocultural impact of COVID-19 on registered nurses employed at a regional health authority in a Caribbean island

“…Of the 980,000 health care workers who were infected there was a mortality rate of 0.3% (Gholami et al , 2021). While there were reported deaths among health-care workers in Trinidad and Tobago, there is no repository for such information.…”

A Four Years Longitudinal Study of Childhood Vaccination Trends and Supply Chain Resilience in Tanzania amid COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic caused increased health problems such as stress, insomnia, anxiety, denial, depressive symptoms, anger, and fear. Collective concerns influence daily behaviours, the economy, prevention strategies, and decision-making by policymakers, health organisations, and medical centres, which can weaken strategies for COVID-19 control and result in higher morbidity and mental health problems at the global level [6,7] Following the recommended immunisation schedule is crucial for safeguarding infants, children, and adolescents from potentially fatal preventable infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among other health organisations, endorse these schedules [8,9].…”