Occupational Risk Factors for SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection in Hospital Health Care Workers: A Prospective Nested Case-Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Health Care Workers (HCWs) are at a particular high risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection due to direct and indirect exposure to COVID‐19 patients and Aerosol‐Generating Procedures (AGPs). The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in HCWs exposed to COVID‐19 patients, to evaluate the adherence and effectiveness of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, to describe the clinical presentation for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in HCWs and to determine serological responses in HCWs. Methods: HCWs exposed to COVID‐19 patients during the previous 14 days with a confirmed case status were recruited as cases; HCWs exposed to COVID‐19 patients during the previous 14 days in the same ward without a suspected/probable/confirmed case status were recruited as controls. Serum samples were collected as soon as possible and after 21–28 days from all participants. Data were collected with a WHO standardized questionnaire as soon as possible and after 21–28 days. Results: All social, occupational and personal variables considered were not associated with an increased risk of SARS‐ CoV‐2 infection. Conclusions: Our study showed a high knowledge of IPC measures and very high PPE use among HCWs.