Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among physiotherapists in Poland. Preparing for the 5th wave of the pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Since the beginning of the COV-ID-19 pandemic, over 532 million people have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In the case of COVID-19, all medical personnel are particularly vulnerable. By becoming more familiar with the risk and protective factors among phys-iotherapists, we will be able to better prepare for similar occurrences in the future. Aims: The objective was to distinguish risk and protective factors for COVID-19 incidence among physiotherapists in Poland. Materials and methods: Links to the questionnaires were sent via email to all Polish registered physiotherapists in November 2020. Results: The study was conducted on a sample of 2044 physiotherapists. Multivariate analysis results indicated that physiotherapists' having a child or children in the first grades of primary school increased their risk of COVID-19 infection by more than 70% (compared to physiotherapists who did not have children of that age). Individuals working in hospitals had a more than 50% higher risk of contracting the disease, while working in a private practice reduced the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 by nearly 40%. Working overtime increased the risk of contracting the disease by 30% compared to physiotherapists whose work did not exceed full-time hours. Conclusions: In order to prevent exposure to infection, special protective measures would need to be implemented for physiotherapists with pre-school children, who work in a hospital and work overtime.