Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among US Healthcare Personnel, May-December 2020

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Jan;28(1):95-103. doi: 10.3201/eid2801.211803. Epub 2021 Dec 2.

Abstract

To determine risk factors for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among US healthcare personnel (HCP), we conducted a case-control analysis. We collected data about activities outside the workplace and COVID-19 patient care activities from HCP with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test results (cases) and from HCP with negative test results (controls) in healthcare facilities in 5 US states. We used conditional logistic regression to calculate adjusted matched odds ratios and 95% CIs for exposures. Among 345 cases and 622 controls, factors associated with risk were having close contact with persons with COVID-19 outside the workplace, having close contact with COVID-19 patients in the workplace, and assisting COVID-19 patients with activities of daily living. Protecting HCP from COVID-19 may require interventions that reduce their exposures outside the workplace and improve their ability to more safely assist COVID-19 patients with activities of daily living.

Keywords: 2019 novel coronavirus disease; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; United States; coronavirus disease; healthcare personnel; respiratory infections; risk factors; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; viruses; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • COVID-19*
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2