COVID-19 Contamination in Hospital Staff: Determinism, Epidemiological Features

Abstract

The first cases of SARS-CoV-2 were diagnosed in BENIN in early March 2020. Measures have been instituted to control its spread, including barrier measures. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of self-application of these measures among hospital staff at CNHU-HKM. Methods: This is a case-control study conducted from July 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021 on the risk factors of COVID-19 contamination. Included were any CNHU-HKM staff who underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 at the CNHU-HKM triage center during the study period. Data were collected using a survey form administered to respondents. Data analysis was performed with R 4.1.0 software. Results: A total of 141 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 35.5 (±11.1) years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.87. Fon and Mina ethnic groups were the most represented (74.5%). Workers older than 50 years were more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 (OR=4.83). Nurses in contact with patients (87.2% of the study population) had a higher risk of contamination (OR=3.6), compared to administrative staff. The FFP2 mask was a protective factor (OR=0.35) as well as long-term chemoprophylaxis with chloroquine (OR=0.44). Conclusion: Health care workers are at high risk of contamination by COVID-19. Barrier measures and chloroquine chemoprophylaxis are indeed mandatory in controlling the spread of the pandemic.