Pan African Medical Journal
Journal / Pan African Medical Journal / Vol. 46 No. 1 (2023) / Articles

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Published:

Jun 6, 2024

Keywords:

Predictors COVID-19 health-workers Harare City Zimbabwe

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Articles

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Talent Bvochora

University of Zimbabwe, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Global and Public Health Unit, Harare, Zimbabwe

Hilda Bara

Harare City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe

Addmore Chadambuka

University of Zimbabwe, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Global and Public Health Unit, Harare, Zimbabwe

Tsitsi Juru

University of Zimbabwe, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Global and Public Health Unit, Harare, Zimbabwe

Mujinga Karakadzai

University of Zimbabwe, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Global and Public Health Unit, Harare, Zimbabwe

Prosper Chonzi

Harare City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe

Notion Gombe

African Field Epidemiology Network, Harare, Zimbabwe

Mufuta Tshimanga

University of Zimbabwe, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Global and Public Health Unit, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Introduction: preventing COVID-19 infection among health workers maintains the health system capacity and reduces secondary transmission. Of 506 health workers tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Harare City between December 2020 and February 2021 (second wave), 128 (25%) tested positive, affecting service delivery. We investigated factors associated with COVID-19 infection and described breakthrough infections among health workers.

Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study in Harare City. Interviews were conducted with 467 health workers to determine behavioral, occupational, and non-occupational factors associated with COVID-19 infection. Fifteen key informants were interviewed to verify responses. Records and line-list were reviewed to verify cases, outcomes, and vaccination status. Observations were done to check adherence to prevention measures. Epi-info generated means, frequencies, proportions and conducted univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was at p-value<0.05.

Results: we interviewed 467 health workers, 166 (35.5%) had a history of COVID-19 infection. Females were the majority 357 (76.4%), mostly nurses 200 (42.8%). Those not trained on infection control measures in the past six months (aOR=2.13; 95%CI 1.06-4.27; p=0.03), not observing social distance at mealtimes (aOR=6.33; 95%CI 3.36-11.89; p<0.01), having a household COVID-19 case (aOR=9.03; 95%CI 3.93-20.76; p<0.01) and not properly wearing facemasks (aOR=16.68; 95%CI 9.39-29.61; p<0.01) were significantly associated COVID-19 infection. Of 378 health workers fully vaccinated, 39 (10.3%) had breakthrough infections. Most with breakthrough infections, 33 (84.6%) had asymptomatic or mild disease. One death was recorded, a female, not vaccinated, with uncontrolled diabetes.

Conclusion: predictors of COVID-19 infection among health workers were, no training on infection and prevention and control (IPC) measures, lack of social distancing at mealtimes, improper use of facemasks, and having a COVID-19 case at household level. We conducted refresher training to strengthen infection control measures.

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eISSN: 1937-8688