Super-factors associated with transmission of occupational COVID-19 infection among healthcare staff in Wuhan, China. Issue 1 (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Y.; Wu, W.; Cheng, Z.; Tan, X.; Yang, Z.; Zeng, X.; Mei, B.; Ni, Z.; Wang, X.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 106:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Super-factors -- Medical staff -- Infection -- SARS-CoV-2 -- Social network analysis; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.06.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: Background: Globally, there have been many cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among medical staff; however, the main factors associated with the infection are not well understood. Aim: To identify the super-factors causing COVID-19 infection in medical staff in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 1 st and February 30 th, 2020, in which front-line members of medical staff who took part in the care and treatment of patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. Epidemiological and demographic data between infected and uninfected groups were collected and compared. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to establish socio-metric social links between influencing factors. Findings: A total of 92 medical staff were enrolled. In all participant groups, the super-factor identified by the network was wearing a medical protective mask or surgical mask correctly (degree: 572; closeness: 25; betweenness centrality: 3.23). Touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working was the super-factor in the infected group. This was the biggest node in the network and had the strongest influence (degree: 370; closeness: 29; betweenness centrality: 0.37). Self-protection score was the super-factor in the uninfected group but was the isolated factor in the infected group (degree: 201; closeness: 28; betweenness centrality: 5.64). For family members, the exposure history to Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and the contact history to wild animals were two isolated nodes. Conclusion: High self-protection score was the main factor that prevented medical staff from contracting COVID-19 infection. The main factor contributing to COVID-19 infections among medical staff was touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working.