The Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies among HealthCare Workers in University Hospital in Krakow before the Era of Vaccination

Barbara Żółtowska, Ilona Barańska, Estera Jachowicz, Wojciech Sydor, Barbara Maziarz, Krzysztof Mydel, Anna Różańska, Barbara Wizner, Jerzy Rosiński, Magdalena Kossowska, Kaja Głomb and Jadwiga Wójkowska-Mach
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Barbara Żółtowska: Center for Innovative Therapy, Clinical Research Coordination Center, University Hospital in Krakow, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
Ilona Barańska: Laboratory for Research on Aging Society, Department of Sociology of Medicine, Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
Estera Jachowicz: Chair of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
Wojciech Sydor: Center for Innovative Therapy, Clinical Research Coordination Center, University Hospital in Krakow, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
Barbara Maziarz: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
Krzysztof Mydel: Deputy Director for Coordination and Development, University Hospital in Krakow, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
Anna Różańska: Chair of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
Barbara Wizner: Department of Internal Medicine and Gerontology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
Jerzy Rosiński: Faculty of Management and Social Communication, The Institute of Economics, Finance and Management, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
Magdalena Kossowska: Faculty of Management and Social Communication, The Institute of Economics, Finance and Management, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
Kaja Głomb: Faculty of Management and Social Communication, The Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
Jadwiga Wójkowska-Mach: Chair of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Knowledge of occupational health is crucial to the safety of healthcare workers in the pandemic period. The aim of our study was the rating of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in connection with selected demographic, social, and organizational factors, as well as the identification of key elements determining the safety of HCWs and patients of the University Hospital in Krakow. Methods: This was a non-interventional, uncontrolled, open, single-center, cross-sectional online survey on the preparedness for the COVID-19 epidemic and the seroprevalence of medical and non-medical HCWs and students. Serum specimens from 1221 persons were tested using an immunoassay analyzer based on the ECLIA technique for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies IgM + IgG. Results: The total seroprevalence was 42.7%. In medical students it was 25.2%, while in physicians it was 43.4% and in nurses/midwives it was 48.1%. Of those who tested positive, 21.5% did not know their serological status. The use of personal protective equipment did not have any significant impact on the result of testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The risk of developing the disease was not influenced by sex, professional work experience, workplace, or intensity of contact with the patient. Among the studied elements, only care of COVID-19 patients significantly increased the risk. The protective factor was starting work between the waves of the epidemic (June–September 2020). Conclusions: PPE is only one element of infection prevention and control—without other components, such as hand hygiene, it can be dangerous and contribute to self-infection. It is also very important to test healthcare workers. Not being aware of the COVID-19 status of HCWs poses a threat to other staff members, as well as patients and the family and friends of the infected. Thus, extreme caution should be applied when employing respirators with exhalation valves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: seroprevalence; healthcare workers; COVID-19; infection prevention and control practices; work culture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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