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Prevalence and associated factors of COVID-19 among Moroccan physicians: A cross-sectional study
Marwa El Baldi1, Amina Laghrissi1, Zakia Marso2
1Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Laboratory of Epidemiology, Clinical Research, and Community Health, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah University, Fez, Morocco.
Insights
The prevalence of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among Moroccan physicians was 27.3%. Men, those with comorbidities, and hospital staff faced higher infection risks, highlighting the need for targeted pandemic preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged as a global health crisis in 2020.
- Healthcare workers (HCWs) were crucial in managing the pandemic.
- The study focuses on Moroccan physicians before the vaccination campaign.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among Moroccan physicians.
- To identify risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection in this population.
- To inform future pandemic preparedness strategies.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco.
- Data from 545 physicians were collected via an online self-reported questionnaire.
- Data collection occurred between December 1, 2020, and February 1, 2021.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of COVID-19 among physicians was 27.3%.
- Increased risk of infection was associated with being male (aOR: 1.896), having comorbidities (aOR: 2.268), and working in university or military hospitals (aOR: 2.578).
- No association was found between infection and compliance with preventive measures.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide a baseline for comparing COVID-19 prevalence before vaccination.
- Awareness and protective measures should be enhanced for men, individuals with comorbidities, and hospital staff.
- This data supports improved pandemic preparedness for future health crises.
Background:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged and spread rapidly worldwide and established a global public health crisis in early 2020. The first Moroccan case was reported on March 2, 2020. Since then, healthcare workers (HCWs) played a major role in saving human lives threatened by COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among Moroccan physicians and to report associated risk factors prior vaccination campaign.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco, 545 physicians' data was collected using a self-reported online questionnaire. The data collection was done between December 1, 2020, and February 1, 2021.
Results:
The prevalence of COVID-19 among physicians was 27.3%. The mean age of the confirmed COVID-19 group was 38.4±12.9 years old. There was no association between COVID-19 infection and preventive measures compliance by physicians and healthcare authorities in the workplace. However, multivariate analysis strengthened the following factors such as increased risk of COVID-19 infection within men ☯aOR:1.896; 95% IC 1.272-2.828; p = 0.002]; the presence of at least one comorbidity ☯aOR:2.268; 95%IC 1.414-3.637; p = 0.001]; and working at a university or military hospitals ☯aOR:2.578; 95%IC 1.667-3.989; p = 0.001].
Conclusion:
This study allows comparing COVID-19 prevalence among healthcare workers before and after vaccination programs. This should support better preparation strategy for any future pandemics with appropriate and increased awareness for men, carrying comorbidity, and working environment with high COVID-19 disease management.
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