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Risk factors for COVID-19 virus infection among health workers: A case-control study in the Bono East Region of Ghana

M. M. Opoku, Kwaku Poku Asante, S. Gyaase, Emmanuel A. A. Teviu, Kingsley Amponsah, A. Twum, Kwabena Fosuhene Kusi, Alfred Kwadwo Ampofo et al.

American Journal of Infection Control, 2022

3 citations

Abstract

Background Disproportionately high rates of COVID-19 infection among health workers prompts the need to identify the risk factors to help guide the design and implementation of interventions. The aim of this study was to characterize the risk factors for COVID-19 infection among health workers. Methods A case-control study was designed to recruit 154 health workers who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and 308 who tested negative from 8 hospitals and 11 health directorates in the Bono East Region of Ghana. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors. Results Hand hygiene compliance for the recommended moments ranged from 55.3% to 77.4%. Personal protective equipments (PPE) use was 59.5% when patients’ COVID-19 status was unknown and at least 90.7% when patient was positive. We identified years of practice experience (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.07, 3.07; P = .028), adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) when in contact with patients whose COVID-19 status is unspecified (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.70; P = .020) and type of facility (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.62; P = .019) as risk factors. Conclusion The findings underscore the need for health workers to improve in COVID-19 risk perception.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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