Risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among healthcare workers working in a Large Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate COVID-19 infection and outcomes among healthcare workers (HCWs) compared with non-HCWs.

Methods: A prospective surveillance study was conducted among HCWs and non-HCWs eligible for treatment at a large tertiary care facility in Riyadh between March 1st to November 30th, 2020.

Results: A total 13,219 cases with confirmed COVID-19 have been detected during the study; 1596 (12.1%) HCW patients (HCWPs) and 11623 (87.9%) non-HCWPs. Infection per 100 population was almost ten-fold higher in HCWs compared with non-HCWs (9.78 versus 1.01, p<0.001). The risk of infection in support staff (15.1%) was almost double the risk in other professional groups (p<0.001). Hospitalization (14.1% versus 1.8%, p<0.001), ICU admission (3.0% versus 0.5%, p<0.001), and case fatality (0.13% versus 2.77%, p<0.001) were significantly lower in HCWPs compared with non-HCWPs. The mortality per 100,000 population was significantly lower in HCWs compared with non-HCWs (12.3 and 28.1, p<0.001).

Conclusion: HCWs are at ten-fold higher risk of COVID-19 infection but have much better outcomes compared with non-HCWs. More strict infection control measures are still required to protect HCWs, including those who are not involved in direct patient care.

Keywords: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19); Saudi Arabia; healthcare; hospital; pandemic.