The experience of the health care workers of a severely hit SARS-CoV-2 referral Hospital in Italy: incidence, clinical course and modifiable risk factors for COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care workers (HCWs) at the frontline have been largely exposed to infected patients, running a high risk of being infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since limiting transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in health care setting is crucial to avoid the community spread of SARS-CoV-2, we want to share our experience as an early hit hospital where standard infection control practices have been conscientiously applied and effective. We believe that our example, as first and hardest hit country, might be a warning and aid not only for those who have been hit later, but also for a second fearful wave of contagion. In addition, we want to offer an insight on modifiable risk factors for HWs-related infection. Methods Demographic, lifestyle, work-related and comorbidities data of 1447 HCWs, which underwent a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2, were retrospectively collected. For the 164 HCWs positive for SARS-CoV-2, data about safety in the workplace, symptoms and clinical course of COVID-19 were also collected. Cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was estimated. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection were assessed using a multivariable Poisson regression. Results The cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the screened HCWs was 11.33% (9.72–13.21). Working in a COVID-19 ward, being a former smoker (versus being a person who never smoked) and BMI was positively associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas being a current smoker was negatively associated with this variable. Conclusions Assuming an equal accessibility and proper use of personal protective equipment of all the HCWs of our Hospital, the great and more prolonged contact with COVID-19 patients remains the crucial risk factor for SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, increased and particular care needs to be focused specifically on the most exposed HCWs groups, which should be safeguarded. Furthermore, in order to limit the risk of asymptomatic spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the HCWs mild symptoms of COVID-19 should be considered when evaluating the potential benefits of universal staff testing.

Update Alert 7: Epidemiology of and Risk Factors for Coronavirus Infection in Health Care Workers

“…Similar to prior report updates, estimates did not indicate an association between sex (13 studies [ 3–6 , 9 , 11–13 , 15 , 17–20 ]) or age (12 studies [ 3–5 , 9 , 11–13 , 15 , 17–20 ]) and risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or seropositivity. Fifteen new studies found no consistent association between health worker role (nurse vs. physician) and risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection ( 3–5 , 7–12 , 14–16 , 18–20 ).…”

“…For this update, 12 cohort studies ( 3–9 , 11 , 14 , 15 , 18 , 19 ) and 6 cross-sectional studies ( 10 , 12 , 13 , 16 , 17 , 20 ) were added ( Supplement Table 1 ). Four studies were done in the United States ( 4 , 7 , 18 , 20 ), 10 in Europe (Spain [ 5 , 11 , 14 ], Italy [ 8 , 9 ], the United Kingdom [ 12 , 17 ], France [ 13 ], Sweden [ 15 ], and the Netherlands [ 15 ]), 2 in India ( 6 , 10 ), and 1 each in China ( 19 ) and Egypt ( 3 ). As with studies included in prior updates, the studies had methodological limitations, including potential recall bias, low or unclear participation rates, small sample sizes, and potential collinearity.…”

Knowledge and Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic during the First Wave (Feb–May 2020): A Cross-Sectional Study among Italian Healthcare Workers

“…For this reason, we investigated HCWs’ level of information and perceptions of the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial for HCWs to be prepared and to apply all IPC in facing COVID-19 [ 29 , 30 , 31 ] considering that the prevalence of the infection among HCWs exceeded 10% in Italy [ 32 , 33 , 34 ] with a consequent loss of capacity for hospitals to respond adequately to the pandemic.…”

Knowledge and Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic During the First Wave (Feb-May 2020): a Web Based Survey Among Italian Healthcare Workers

“…It is crucial for HCWs to be prepared and to apply all IPC in facing COVID-19 [29][30][31] considering that the prevalence of the infection among HCWs exceeded 10% in Italy [32][33][34] with a consequent loss of capacity for hospitals to respond adequately to pandemic.…”