Corona Virus Infection among Healthcare Workers in a COVID Dedicated Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring infections during this ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the socio demographic and clinical profile and the possible risk factors for infection among the HCWs at Mugda Medical College Hospital (MuMCH).
 Method: This retrospective observational study was done among the HCWs of MuMCH from 19 April, 2020 to 15 May, 2020. The SARS-CoV-2 positive 37 HCWs were interviewed over telephone by a structured questionnaire and the obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics.
 Result: Out of total 343 HCWs, total 37(10.79%) cases were detected COVID-19 positive. Out of them, 13(35.14%) were male and 24 (64.86%) were female. The median age was 36 years. Among the infected HCWs, 26 (70.27%) did not have any pre-existing comorbidities. Bronchial asthma (13.51%) and HTN (13.51%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. Around 43.24% (16) had no definite symptoms for COVID- 19. Among the 21(56.76%) symptomatic cases, 15(40.54%) had mild and 6(16.22%) had moderate symptoms. The most common symptoms were cough (16, 43.24%), fever (11, 29.73%), sore throat (7, 18.92%) and fatigue/malaise (7, 18.92%). All had completely recovered uneventfully although 22(59.46%) got admitted to hospital. Only 12(32.43%) were involved in aerosol generating procedure. Total 26 cases (70.27%) used appropriate PPE during their duty. Although only 4(10.81%) got adequate training on PPE use, 33(89.19%) of them had adequate knowledge on that. About 15(40.54%) were reusing PPEs. Most of them (33, 89.20%) were not taking any chemoprophylaxis; all were following traditional preventive measures. Among the HCWs, 26(70.27%) were not satisfied with the infection prevention and control (IPC) measures taken by the hospital authority. All of them presumed that, their occupational exposure was the possible source of COVID-19 infection.
 Conclusion: More than 1 in 10 HCWs at MuMCH was infected with SARS-CoV-2 while working at the hospital. They represented the younger age group, had fewer comorbidities. Nurses were the most affected category. All experienced uneventful recovery and most of them were not satisfied with the IPC measures taken by the hospital authority. Further studies are required to identify the level of risk of infection, possible risk factors and outcomes and to improve the IPC measures of the hospital.
 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): 43-49

Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Personal Protective Equipment for the Prevention of COVID-19

“…6 A study conducted among the HCWs working in a COVID-19 dedicated hospital in Bangladesh found than 10.79% of them contracted the disease. 7 …”

A multi-centre, cross-sectional study on coronavirus disease 2019 in Bangladesh: clinical epidemiology and short-term outcomes in recovered individuals

“…With regard to the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and its association with various pathophysiological factors, no comprehensive study has been conducted in Bangladesh. Some of the studies did not include a large sample size [ [6] , [7] , [8] ], so understanding the aforementioned relationship of COVID-19 symptoms with comorbidities and biochemical parameters from previous studies was not possible. In particular, the long-term complications or short-term outcomes among patients who have recovered from COVID-19 have not been studied with the necessary rigor.…”

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh: Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey

“…[11][12][13] Similarly, healthcare providers who became infected from treating COVID-19 patients were condemned and stigmatized. [14][15][16][17] In addition, there were shortages of personal protective equipment for health workers and others who needed to work during the COVID-19 lockdown period. 15 For many people of different ages throughout the country, the pandemic caused fear, panic, distress, anxiety, and depression.…”