Preventive Measures among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• COVID-19 presented unprecedented challenges to global health systems, with healthcare workers (HCWs) at the forefront of patient care.
• The first COVID-19 case in Puerto Rico was confirmed in March 2020, necessitating rapid implementation of preventive strategies.

Observation:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Puerto Rico from July to December 2020, involving 62 HCWs from various healthcare settings.
• The study assessed the adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) use and hygiene guidelines among HCWs before widespread vaccine availability.
• Nurses were identified as a group at higher risk of infection (p < 0.05).

Findings:

• 87% of participants adhered to recommended hygiene guidelines, and 100% practiced regular handwashing or disinfection.
• All participants consistently tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 throughout the study period.
• High efficacy of PPE and hygiene measures in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed.

Implications:

• The findings underscore the critical role of robust infection control practices, including PPE and hygiene, in mitigating viral transmission in healthcare settings.
• These measures proved effective in protecting HCWs during the early stages of the pandemic when therapeutic options were limited.
• The study provides valuable insights for public health preparedness and response strategies during future infectious disease outbreaks.