Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaper › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Healthcare workers' SARS-CoV-2 infection rates during the second wave of the pandemic : follow-up study. / Würtz, Anne Mette; Kinnerup, Martin B; Pugdahl, Kirsten et al.
In: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, Vol. 48, No. 7, 09.2022, p. 530-539.Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaper › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Healthcare workers' SARS-CoV-2 infection rates during the second wave of the pandemic
T2 - follow-up study
AU - Würtz, Anne Mette
AU - Kinnerup, Martin B
AU - Pugdahl, Kirsten
AU - Schlünssen, Vivi
AU - Vestergaard, Jesper Medom
AU - Nielsen, Kent
AU - Cramer, Christine
AU - Bonde, Jens Peter
AU - Biering, Karin
AU - Carstensen, Ole
AU - Hansen, Karoline Kærgaard
AU - Dalbøge, Annett
AU - Flachs, Esben Meulengracht
AU - Hansen, Mette Lausten
AU - Thulstrup, Ane Marie
AU - Würtz, Else Toft
AU - Kjærsgaard, Mona
AU - Christensen, Mette Wulf
AU - Kolstad, Henrik Albert
PY - 2022/9
Y1 - 2022/9
N2 - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess if, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers had increased severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rates, following close contact with patients, co-workers and persons outside work with COVID-19.METHODS: A follow-up study of 5985 healthcare workers from Denmark was conducted between November 2020 and April 2021 and provided day-to-day information on COVID-19 contacts. SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined by the first positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test ever. Data was analyzed in multivariable Poisson regression models.RESULTS: The SARS-CoV-2 infection rates following close contact 3-7 days earlier with patients, co-workers and persons outside work with COVID-19 were 153.7, 240.8, and 728.1 per 100 000 person-days, respectively. This corresponded with age, sex, month, number of PCR tests and mutually adjusted incidence rate ratios of 3.17 [40 cases, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.15-4.66], 2.54 (10 cases, 95% CI 1.30-4.96) and 17.79 (35 cases, 95% CI 12.05-26.28). The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was thus lower, but the absolute numbers affected was higher following COVID-19 contact at work than COVID-19 contact off work.CONCLUSIONS: Despite strong focus on preventive measures during the second wave of the pandemic, healthcare workers were still at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection when in close contact with patients or co-workers with COVID-19. There is a need for increased focus on infection control measures in order to secure healthcare workers' health and reduce transmission into the community during ongoing and future waves of SARS-CoV-2 and other infections.
AB - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess if, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers had increased severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rates, following close contact with patients, co-workers and persons outside work with COVID-19.METHODS: A follow-up study of 5985 healthcare workers from Denmark was conducted between November 2020 and April 2021 and provided day-to-day information on COVID-19 contacts. SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined by the first positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test ever. Data was analyzed in multivariable Poisson regression models.RESULTS: The SARS-CoV-2 infection rates following close contact 3-7 days earlier with patients, co-workers and persons outside work with COVID-19 were 153.7, 240.8, and 728.1 per 100 000 person-days, respectively. This corresponded with age, sex, month, number of PCR tests and mutually adjusted incidence rate ratios of 3.17 [40 cases, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.15-4.66], 2.54 (10 cases, 95% CI 1.30-4.96) and 17.79 (35 cases, 95% CI 12.05-26.28). The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was thus lower, but the absolute numbers affected was higher following COVID-19 contact at work than COVID-19 contact off work.CONCLUSIONS: Despite strong focus on preventive measures during the second wave of the pandemic, healthcare workers were still at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection when in close contact with patients or co-workers with COVID-19. There is a need for increased focus on infection control measures in order to secure healthcare workers' health and reduce transmission into the community during ongoing and future waves of SARS-CoV-2 and other infections.
KW - COVID-19/epidemiology
KW - Follow-Up Studies
KW - Health Personnel
KW - Humans
KW - Pandemics
KW - SARS-CoV-2
U2 - 10.5271/sjweh.4049
DO - 10.5271/sjweh.4049
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 35780381
VL - 48
SP - 530
EP - 539
JO - Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
JF - Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
SN - 0355-3140
IS - 7
ER -