Analysis of the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in groups of medical and non-medical professions
Objectives The assessment of the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in various professional groups is very important. Hence, the purpose of the following study was to analyze the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among employees performing both medical and nonmedical professions bef...
Main Authors: | , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
2023-09-01
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Series: | International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://ijomeh.eu/Analysis-of-the-prevalence-of-anti-SARS-CoV-2-antibodies-in-groups-of-medical-and,170264,0,2.html |
Summary: | Objectives
The assessment of the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in various professional groups is very important. Hence, the purpose
of the following study was to analyze the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among employees performing both medical and nonmedical
professions before the launch of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
Material and Methods
The study was conducted among employers of 1 of
the institutions: The Provincial Specialist Hospital of Władysław Biegański in Łódź, Poland, Radio Łódź and the Border Guards of Łódź Airport.
Blood samples were collected in December 2020–February 2021. Patients were screened for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Simultaneously
respondents were asked to complete a self-designed questionnaire including demographic data, detailed profession, history of SARS-CoV-2
infection and willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Results
Seroprevalence was significantly higher in the group of rural residents
(p < 0.012), participants who declared previous COVID-19 infection (p < 0.001) and healthcare workers (HCWs) (p = 0.002), especially nurses
(35.5%, p = 0.003) and medics worked in areas dedicated to COVID-19 than in other specialties (38.7% vs. 26.8%, respectively, p = 0.017). There
was no association between the presence of antibodies and the gender (p = 0.118), age (p = 0.559) or BMI (p = 0.998).
Conclusions
Healthcare
workers, in particular nurses, are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace. Occupational infections can occur during occur not only
during contact with the patient, but also with members of the medical team who do not show typical symptoms of the disease. Shortages in medical
staff may also increase the number of infections among HCWs. Medical and hospital staff providing health services during the COVID-19 epidemic
in Poland, may seek compensation in the event of consequences related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The effectiveness of education and self-discipline
in complying to safety rules among HCWs should also be constantly monitored. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):643–55 |
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ISSN: | 1232-1087 1896-494X |