SARS COV 2 positive healthcare workers in obstetrics and gynaecology- Save the saviour study

Health-care workers (HCWs), being the front-line warriors, have been at increased risk for COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. However, the current extent of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and associated risk factors is still unclear in low- and middle-income countries, like India, especially in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, which propelled this study. Aims: (i) Frequency of infection among HCWs among OBGYN department and cycle threshold value (Ctv) of SARS-COV-2 on RT-PCR. (ii) Clinical presentation, assessment of risk factors, and its impact on HCWs. Settings and Design: This was a prospective study conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi for the duration of 6 months.

All SARS-CoV-2-positive HCWs in the department were interviewed verbatim after recovery, through a self-formulated, validated questionnaire, and answers recorded on pre-designed proforma. Statistical Analysis Used: Categorical variables were presented as number and percentage (%), whereas continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and median values. Data were transferred on Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysed using SPSS v 27.0.

Amongst 727 HCWs working in the department, 350 RT-PCR tests were performed, and 110 tested positive (prevalence of 15.13%). Mean Ctv of RT-PCR was 28.03. Most HCWs were symptomatic (n = 94) with mild infection; working as nursing officers (40%). Majority of them acquired virus while working in non-COVID wards (76%). Noncompliance with IPC practices (40%) and lack of social distancing (34.5%) were key risk factors.

Adept knowledge of the risk factors and IPC practices can aid in averting casualties due to SARS-COV-2 amongst the HCWs.