Risk assessment of exposure to COVID-19 virus: a cross-sectional study among health-care workers

Purpose Health-care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, which necessitates implementing transmission prevention measures in health-care delivery facilities, particularly hospitals. This study aims to assess COVID-19 risk in a health-care setting and recommend managerial strategies to cope with existing risk procedures. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs working in a general hospital in Qazvin, northwest of the country. A total of 310 employees working at different clinical and non-clinical occupational levels participated in the study. The WHO COVID-19 risk assessment tool categorised HCWs in high- or low-risk groups exposed to COVID-19 infection. Findings Findings revealed statistically significant relationships between workplace exposure to the COVID-19 virus and variables, including job type, performing the aerosol-generating procedure, access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and being trained on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines (p < 0.05). HCWs older than 36 years were at 8% more risk of COVID-19 virus. Being a medical doctor or delivering health-care services as a nurse were relatively 28% and 32% times more likely to be at high risk of infection than other hospital staff categories. Having inadequate access to PPE and lack of training on IPC guidelines were also key determinants of high-risk infection. Originality/value As most cases at risk of COVID-19 infection belonged to frontline health-care staff in older age groups, this study recommend limiting the exposure of vulnerable staff to COVID-19 patients, increasing protective measures for HCWs and providing essential information about infection control procedures.