Risk of COVID­-19 Infection among Employees of a Large Anti­tuberculosis Institution in Moscow: Survey Results

Abstract

Relevance. Studying the experience of working under the conditions of COVID-19 allows us to more effectively assess the functioning of anti-epidemic measures in the event of the occurrence or threat of new pandemics, including those caused by new pathogens. The risk of contracting COVID-19 among employees of medical organizations is higher compared to the rest of the population of the metropolis, which determines the need to develop additional measures in medical organizations to protect workers. Timely assessment of risks and preventive measures during a pandemic allow building a system to protect medical institutions from various biological threats when providing medical care. Aim. Assessment of the risks of contracting COVID-19 among employees of a large anti-tuberculosis medical organization in a metropolis. Materials & Methods. A survey of employees of a large anti-tuberculosis medical organization in Moscow was conducted. The survey was conducted on 46 key questions of epidemiological history, compliance with the requirements of the sanitary and anti-epidemic regime, alleged sources of infection, prognostic risks of the occurrence and course of COVID-19. During the period from August 1 to October 1, 2022, 1225 employees of the institution were surveyed (43.8% of the total number). The survey was conducted on a voluntary basis and was anonymous. When answering questions, participants provided information about demographic factors (age, gender), place of actual residence, the fact of contracting a new coronavirus infection, frequency of laboratory testing for SARS-CoV-2, immunization against COVID-19, possible places of contact with patients with COVID-19, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at home and at work, the regular use of skin antiseptics, as well as other information that allowed us to establish the risks of infection of workers at home and at work. To assess the risks of infection, respondents were divided into two groups depending on the presence of a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 (group I) or its absence (group II) as of October 1, 2022. The material for testing was nasal/oropharyngeal swabs. The research of employees was carried out on the basis of the laboratory of the anti-tuberculosis medical organization, as well as in other accredited laboratories of the metropolis using the molecular genetic method, and since February 2022 also using the express method that determines the SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Results. Among the survey participants and according to the questionnaire data, 797 employees suffered from the new coronavirus infection COVID-19, and 138 (17.3%) of them had repeated cases of the disease. Factors that increase the risk of COVID-19 among personnel of anti-tuberculosis medical organizations directly involved in the fight against the new coronavirus infection have been identified. The results of the study demonstrated that important factors influencing the incidence of workers were the frequency of examination for COVID-19, the regular use of skin antiseptics, contact with sources of infection, the use of glasses for vision correction, the use of public transport and eating at work. Conclusion. The need to study the risks of contracting COVID-19 among employees of medical organization and, based on them, develop a set of additional anti-epidemic protection measures was confirmed.