JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

ABSTRACT

Background:

The SARS-CoV-2 infection produces detectable immune responses in most cases reported to date, a serological test could capture previous asymptomatic infections and help to assess the immune status of a subject. Healthcare workers are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and personal protective equipment is the primary strategy to prevent disease transmission within the healthcare setting.

Objective:

Objectives: To determinate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers in primary healthcare centers in the AL-Sader city district.

Methods:

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine primary healthcare centers that were selected using a cluster random sampling technique from 1st November 2020 to 31st December 2020.

Results:

Result: A total of 470 participants were enrolled in the study, 101(21.5%) of them had a history of COVID-9 infection )76 were diagnosed by polymerase reaction chain). There was a significant association between rapid tests and history of COVID-19 infection (p-value <0.001). Rapid test sensitivity was 56.6%, specificity was 79.2%. The rapid test was positive in 125(26.6%) participants, IgG 104(83.2%), IgM 5(4%), both IgG-IgM 16(12.8%).

Conclusions:

Conclusion: The percent of COVID-19 infection is higher than the expected level among participants. A significant association was found between rapid tests and COVID-19 infection, smoking, Comorbidity, PPE Training, and households’ infection.