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Incidence and Predictors of COVID-19 Infection in Prison Healthcare Workers
Julie Caruth1, Kathleen Black, Alicia Legard
1From the Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Piscataway, New Jersey (J.C., H.K., I.G.U.); Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey (J.C., K.B., A.L., A.D.R., H.K., I.G.U., J.M.G.); Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey (K.G., J.M.G.); Biostatistics and Epidemiology Services Center, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ (K.G.); and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, University Correctional Health Care, Trenton, New Jersey (M.B., L.D., A.B.).
Objective:
The aim of the study is to assess the predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection among correctional healthcare workers (HCWs).
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective chart review to describe the demographic and workplace characteristics of New Jersey correctional HCWs between March 15, 2020, and August 31, 2020, using univariate and multivariable analysis.
Results:
Among 822 HCWs, patient-facing staff had the highest incidence of infection (7.2%). Associated risk factors include being Black and working in a maximum-security prison. There were few statistically significant findings due to small total numbers ( n = 47) that tested positive.
Conclusions:
Correctional HCWs' challenging work environment creates unique risk factors for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Administrative measures taken by the department of corrections may have a significant role in curbing the spread of infection. The findings can help focus preventive measures for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in this unique population.
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