Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objectives
Patients with cancer are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 surveillance of workers in oncological centres is crucial to assess infection burden and prevent transmission. We estimate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among healthcare workers (HCWs) of a comprehensive cancer centre in Catalonia, Spain, and analyse its association with sociodemographic characteristics, exposure factors and behaviours.Design
Cross-sectional study (21 May 2020-26 June 2020).Setting
A comprehensive cancer centre (Institut Català d'Oncologia) in Catalonia, Spain.Participants
All HCWs (N=1969) were invited to complete an online self-administered epidemiological survey and provide a blood sample for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detection.Primary outcome measure
Prevalence (%) and 95% CIs of seropositivity together with adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% CI were estimated.Results
A total of 1266 HCWs filled the survey (participation rate: 64.0%) and 1238 underwent serological testing (97.8%). The median age was 43.7 years (p25-p75: 34.8-51.0 years), 76.0% were female, 52.0% were nursing or medical staff and 79.0% worked on-site during the pandemic period. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 8.9% (95% CI 7.44% to 10.63%), with no differences by age and sex. No significant differences in terms of seroprevalence were observed between onsite workers and teleworkers. Seropositivity was associated with living with a person with COVID-19 (aPR 3.86, 95% CI 2.49 to 5.98). Among on-site workers, seropositive participants were twofold more likely to be nursing or medical staff. Nursing and medical staff working in a COVID-19 area showed a higher seroprevalence than other staff (aPR 2.45, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.52).Conclusions
At the end of the first wave of the pandemic in Spain, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among Institut Català d'Oncologia HCW was lower than the reported in other Spanish hospitals. The main risk factors were sharing household with infected people and contact with COVID-19 patients and colleagues. Strengthening preventive measures and health education among HCW is fundamental.
SUBMITTER: Peremiquel-Trillas P
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9023852 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Peremiquel-Trillas Paula P Saura-Lázaro Anna A Benavente-Moreno Yolanda Y Casabonne Delphine D Loureiro Eva E Cabrera Sandra S Duran Angela A Garrote Lidia L Brao Immaculada I Trelis Jordi J Galán Maica M Soler Francesc F Julià Joaquim J Cortasa Dolça D Domínguez Maria Ángeles MÁ Albasanz-Puig Adaia A Gudiol Carlota C Ramírez-Tarruella Dolors D Muniesa Joan J Rivas Juan Pedro JP Muñoz-Montplet Carles C Sedano Ana A Plans Àngel À Calvo-Cerrada Beatriz B Calle Candela C Clopés Ana A Carnicer-Pont Dolors D Alemany Laia L Fernández Esteve E
BMJ open 20220421 4
<h4>Objectives</h4>Patients with cancer are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 surveillance of workers in oncological centres is crucial to assess infection burden and prevent transmission. We estimate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among healthcare workers (HCWs) of a comprehensive cancer centre in Catalonia, Spain, and analyse its association with sociodemographic characteristics, exposure factors and behaviours.<h4>Design</h4>Cross-sectional study (21 May 2020-26 June 2020) ...[more]