SARS-COV-2 Risk factors in health care workers: A systematic review

Introduction: Health-care workers (HCWs) are at the frontline of response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and subsequently at higher risk of acquiring the disease. Objectives: We aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 risk factors among HCWs using a systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was carried out from January 2020 to 20th March 2021 on COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs in PubMed and Google Scholar. Medical subject headings (MeSH) were searched using Boolean operators “OR/AND”. The search terms were: (“coronavirus infection” OR “COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2”) AND (“health personnel”) AND (“risk factors” OR “risk assessment”). We included in our review only papers published in peer-reviewed journals. Results: Twenty-one articles were included in this review. The main associated factors of COVID-19 infection among HCWs were personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage, exposure to infected patients mainly through working in high-risk departments, aerosol generating procedures, working overload, lack of knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infection control and suboptimal hand hygiene. Our review showed a higher risk of infection among physicians compared with nurses and general services employees. Pre-existing medical conditions, age and male gender were also associated with COVID-19 infection among HCWs. Conclusion: Lack of PPE, exposure to infected patients, work overload, poor infection control, and preexisting medical conditions put HCWs at risk of COVID-19 infection. Identifying these factors is of paramount importance to develop sustainable measures that protect HCWs especially those with higher risk levels.