Prevalence of Covid-19 infection among healthcare workers in Central Hospitals of Covid-19 vs non-Covid-19 hospitals in Khuzestan Province, Iran

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of contracting Covid-19 due to their frontline roles and close interactions with infected patients. Understanding the prevalence of Covid-19 infection among HCWs and the factors contributing to it is crucial for informing mitigation strategies. However, the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Recenti progressi in medicina Vol. 115; no. 7; p. 350
Main Authors:	Hoseinynejad, Khojasteh, Zadegan Dezfuli, Aram Asareh, Varnasseri, Mehran, Amini, Fatemeh, Varnasseri, Negar, Mombeini, Lida, Moosaie, Soheila, Abbasi Asl, Fahimeh
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Italy 01-07-2024
Subjects:	Adult Cohort Studies COVID-19 - epidemiology COVID-19 - prevention & control Female Health Personnel - statistics & numerical data Hospitals - statistics & numerical data Humans Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional - prevention & control Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional - statistics & numerical data Iran - epidemiology Male Middle Aged Personal Protective Equipment Prevalence Risk Factors SARS-CoV-2 Young Adult Iran
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Summary:	Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of contracting Covid-19 due to their frontline roles and close interactions with infected patients. Understanding the prevalence of Covid-19 infection among HCWs and the factors contributing to it is crucial for informing mitigation strategies. However, the available data on Covid-19 infection rates among Iranian HCWs is limited. The primary objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of Covid-19 infection among HCWs working in hospitals dedicated to Covid-19 care versus HCWs in other non-Covid-19 hospitals in Khuzestan province, Iran. Additionally, the study aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with Covid-19 transmission and symptom severity in this population. This cohort study recruited 3,012 HCWs from 35 hospitals in Khuzestan province. Covid-19 diagnosis was made using RT-PCR testing, chest CT scans, and clinical examination. Overall, 96% (n=2,918) of the 3,012 HCWs were infected with Covid-19. The prevalence was significantly higher among HCWs from Covid-19 hospitals (59.83%, n=1,746) compared to those from non-Covid-19 hospitals (5.75%, n=168). The capital city of Ahvaz had the highest proportion of Covid-19 cases at 28%. HCWs, especially those working in hospitals dedicated to Covid-19 care, face a substantial risk of contracting the virus. The high infection rates observed may be attributed to factors like weakened immune systems, non-compliance with precautions, and delayed diagnosis. These findings underscore the critical need to strengthen infection control measures, improve access to personal protective equipment, and enhance surveillance of Covid-19 among frontline HCWs in Iran.
ISSN:	2038-1840
DOI:	10.1701/4314.42989