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COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: A Prospective Serological-Epidemiological Cohort Study in a Standard Care Hospital in Rural Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Stephanie Hoffmann

    (Department of Public Health, Institute of Health, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany)

  • Juliane Schiebel

    (Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory Diagnostics and Microbiology, Klinikum Niederlausitz GmbH, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany)

  • Frank Hufert

    (Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany)

  • Heinz-Detlef Gremmels

    (Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory Diagnostics and Microbiology, Klinikum Niederlausitz GmbH, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany)

  • Jacob Spallek

    (Department of Public Health, Institute of Health, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany)

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCW) play a vital role in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic control. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the risk of COVID-19 infections in a cohort of HCW from four different risk groups (from intensive care unit to administration) of a hospital of a primary care level in rural Germany. The outcomes were monthly measures of antibody seroprevalence over a period of 6 months. Overall, a seroprevalence of 13.41% was determined, with significantly higher prevalence rates among HCW working in areas with more frequent contact to confirmed or suspected cases (30.30%, p = 0.003). The group specific differences in the risk of infection from COVID-19 were detected, as HCW groups with frequent exposure seemed to have an increased risk (RR = 3.18, p = 0.02; CI95 1.09–9.24). The findings contribute to the epidemiological understanding of the virus spread in an unvaccinated population group, which is highly relevant for the pandemic management.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephanie Hoffmann & Juliane Schiebel & Frank Hufert & Heinz-Detlef Gremmels & Jacob Spallek, 2021. "COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: A Prospective Serological-Epidemiological Cohort Study in a Standard Care Hospital in Rural Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-8, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:20:p:10999-:d:660040
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Martin Platten & Albert Nienhaus & Claudia Peters & Rita Cranen & Hilmar Wisplinghoff & Jan Felix Kersten & Alexander Daniel Bach & Guido Michels, 2022. "Cumulative Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers at a General Hospital in Germany during the Pandemic—A Longitudinal Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Anke Hildebrandt & Oktay Hökelekli & Lutz Uflacker & Henrik Rudolf & Michael Paulussen & Sören G. Gatermann, 2022. "Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Employees of Three Hospitals of a Secondary Care Hospital Network in Germany and an Associated Fire Brigade: Results of a Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveillan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-15, February.
    3. Ngqabutho Moyo & Anita D. Bhappu & Moment Bhebhe & Farai Ncube, 2022. "Perceived Risk of COVID-19 and Employee Decision-Making: How Psychological Distress during the Pandemic Increases Negative Performance Outcomes among Healthcare Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-16, June.

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