TY  -  JOUR
AU  -  Hoseinynejad, Khojasteh
AU  -  Zadegan Dezfuli, Aram Asareh
AU  -  Varnasseri, Mehran
AU  -  Amini, Fatemeh
AU  -  Varnasseri, Negar
AU  -  Mombeini, Lida
AU  -  Moosaie, Soheila
AU  -  Abbasi Asl, Fahimeh
T1  -  Prevalence of Covid-19 infection among healthcare workers in Central Hospitals of Covid-19 vs non-Covid-19 hospitals in Khuzestan Province, Iran
PY  -  2024
Y1  -  2024-07-01
DO  -  10.1701/4314.42989
JO  -  Recenti Progressi in Medicina
JA  -  Recenti Prog Med
VL  -  115
IS  -  7
SP  -  350
EP  -  356
PB  -  Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
SN  -  2038-1840
Y2  -  2026/04/27
UR  -  http://dx.doi.org/10.1701/4314.42989
N2  -  Summary. Background. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of contracting Covid-19 due to their frontline roles and close interactions with infected patients. Understanding the prevalence of Covid-19 infection among HCWs and the factors contributing to it is crucial for informing mitigation strategies. However, the available data on Covid-19 infection rates among Iranian HCWs is limited. Objective. The primary objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of Covid-19 infection among HCWs working in hospitals dedicated to Covid-19 care versus HCWs in other non-Covid-19 hospitals in Khuzestan province, Iran. Additionally, the study aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with Covid-19 transmission and symptom severity in this population. Methods. This cohort study recruited 3,012 HCWs from 35 hospitals in Khuzestan province. Covid-19 diagnosis was made using RT-PCR testing, chest CT scans, and clinical examination. Results. Overall, 96% (n=2,918) of the 3,012 HCWs were infected with Covid-19. The prevalence was significantly higher among HCWs from Covid-19 hospitals (59.83%, n=1,746) compared to those from non-Covid-19 hospitals (5.75%, n=168). The capital city of Ahvaz had the highest proportion of Covid-19 cases at 28%. Conclusions. HCWs, especially those working in hospitals dedicated to Covid-19 care, face a substantial risk of contracting the virus. The high infection rates observed may be attributed to factors like weakened immune systems, non-compliance with precautions, and delayed diagnosis. These findings underscore the critical need to strengthen infection control measures, improve access to personal protective equipment, and enhance surveillance of Covid-19 among frontline HCWs in Iran.
ER  -