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Published on: February 16, 2022
COVID-19 infection and seroconversion rates in healthcare workers in Lebanon: An observational study
Mariana Helou1, Sanaa Zoghbi2, Nour El Osta1
1Division of Emergency, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon.
Insights
A study found that 19.7% of healthcare workers (HCW) developed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies. Seropositivity varied by role, with housekeeping staff showing the highest rates, highlighting the need for better HCW protection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a significant risk to healthcare workers (HCW).
- Seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) varies among HCW populations.
- Understanding seroconversion rates is crucial for assessing infection risk and implementing protective measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and seroconversion among HCW in a hospital setting.
- To identify risk factors associated with seropositivity within different hospital departments.
- To inform public health policies for HCW protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 203 HCW.
- Serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
- Analysis of seroconversion rates and seropositivity by gender and occupational group.
Main Results:
- Overall seroconversion rate was 19.7%.
- Seropositivity was higher in males (25%) than females (13.4%).
- Highest seropositivity rates observed in Housekeeping (83%) and COVID Floor (45%) staff; lowest in Anesthesia (4%) and Infection Control (0%).
- Prolonged patient contact correlated with higher seropositivity on COVID floors and ICUs.
- Consistent N95 mask use was associated with lower seropositivity in inhalation and anesthesia teams.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 seropositivity among HCW is a significant public health concern.
- Occupational roles and adherence to protective measures influence infection risk.
- Enhanced protective policies are necessary to safeguard HCW during pandemics.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is a recent pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCW) are at high risk of acquiring the infection and transmitting it to others. Seroprevalence for COVID-19 among HCW varies between countries, hospitals in the same country and even among different departments in the same hospital. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies and the seroconversion among the HCW in our hospital. A total of 203 HCW were included. The rate of conversion to seropositive was 19.7% in total, with a rate of 13.4% in female versus 25% in male. The seropositivity in the House keeping group was 83%, followed by 45% in the COVID Floor while the seropositivity in the Anesthesia was 4% and the Infection Control 0%. The highest seropositivity rate in the COVID floor, and in the intensive care unit was explained by the long time spent with the patients. While in the inhalation team and the anesthesia, the lower rates of seropositivity was due to the N95 mask wearing the whole time. Seropositivity for COVID-19 in HCW is a major public health concern. Policies should be implemented to better protect HCWs.
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