Healthcare workers were infected with COVID-19 in greater percentages than the general population, and nurses were hardest hit of all, during the early days of the pandemic, according to a study conducted at Rutgers University and published in BMC Infectious Diseases.
The researchers used data collected last spring to establish baseline infection rates from early on in the public health crisis. The journal published their report online Nov. 16.
Overall, of 829 participants, 7.3% of healthcare workers (40 people) and 0.4% of non-healthcare workers—one person—were COVID-positive in March.
Of the 41 who tested positive, 14 individuals (34%) reported symptoms.
Looking at the 546 healthcare workers recruited for the study, all of whom work at one of two hospitals in New Jersey, the Rutgers team found infection rates varying among roles as follows:
- Nurses—11.1% (25 of 225)
- Resident or fellow physicians—3.1% (3 of 98)
- Attending physicians—1.8% (2 of 112)
- All others—9.0% (10 of 111)
The team also broke out infection rates by where the workers are stationed within the hospital:
- Operating room—9.7% (13 of 134)
- Emergency department—8.2% (20 of 245)
- Designated COVID unit—7.9% (5 of 63)
- Medical floor—4.9% (9 of 185)
- ICU—2.2% (4 of 192)
- All other locales—5.5% (14 of 255)
In a news item posted by Rutgers, Emily Barrett, PhD, a biostatistician and epidemiologist, comments that these initial results show that, at the beginning of the pandemic, “the higher rate of infection observed in urban northern New Jersey areas, like Newark, was also reflected in the healthcare workers serving those communities.”
In the study’s discussion section, the authors say they’ll follow up with the study cohort longitudinally to obtain “novel incidence and exposure data as well as greater statistical power to understand factors associated with new infections.”
The study is available in full for free.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.