Incidence and Predictors of COVID-19 Infection in Prison Healthcare Workers

Julie Caruth; Kathleen Black; Alicia Legard; Adriana De Resende; Kylie Getz; Michelle Borowski; Lisa Debilio; Arthur Brewer; Howard Kipen; Iris G Udasin; Judith M Graber

doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000002836

Incidence and Predictors of COVID-19 Infection in Prison Healthcare Workers

J Occup Environ Med. 2023 Jul 1;65(7):573-579. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002836. Epub 2023 Mar 7.

Authors

Julie Caruth¹, Kathleen Black, Alicia Legard, Adriana De Resende, Kylie Getz, Michelle Borowski, Lisa Debilio, Arthur Brewer, Howard Kipen, Iris G Udasin, Judith M Graber

Affiliation

¹ From 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.).

Abstract

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.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
COVID-19* / epidemiology
Female
Health Personnel / statistics & numerical data
Humans
Incidence
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Health / statistics & numerical data
Prisons
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification
Young Adult

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding