The role of supporting services in driving SARS-CoV-2 transmission within healthcare settings: a multicenter seroprevalence study

Al-Maani, Amal; Al Wahaibi, Adil; Al-Sooti, Jabir; Al Abri, Bader; Al Shukri, Intisar; AlRisi, Elham; AL Abri, Laila; AlDaghari, Khalid; AL Subhi, Mahmood; AlMaqbali, Salima; AlBurtamani, Salim; AlAbri, Asma; AL Salami, Ahmed; Al-Beloushi, Iman; Al-Zadjali, Najla; Alqayoudhi, Abdullah; Al-Kindi, Hanan; Al Shaqsi, Khalifa; Al-Jardani, Amina; Al-Abri, Seif

Objective Determining the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in health care workers (HCWs) based on risk of exposure to COVID-19 patients. Methods SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence cross-sectional study in risk-stratified HCWs randomly selected from 3 main district hospitals in Oman. Results 1,078 HCWs included with an overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of 21%. The seropositivity in low, variable, and high risk groups were 29%, 18%, and 17%, respectively (P-value <0.001). The study found higher positivity in males [crude odds ratio (COR) 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–2.3], and workers residing in high prevalence areas (COR 2.09, 95% CI 1.42–3.07). Compared to doctors, workers from supporting services, administration and nurses were more likely to have positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (COR 9.81, 95% CI 5.26–18.27; 2.37, 95% CI 1.23–4.58; 2.08 95% CI 1.14–3.81). The overall rate of previously undetected infection was 12% with higher values in low-risk HCWs. High district prevalence is a driving factor for seropositivity in the low-risk group [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.36 (95% CI 1.0–5.59)]. Conclusion The low risk supporting services workers can drive SARS-CoV-2 transmission in hospitals. More attention and innovation within this opportunity will enhance the safety of health care during epidemics/pandemics.