SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare professionals in a rural state

Abstract Objectives: We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) seroconversion and seroreversion rates, risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion, and COVID-19 risk perceptions among academic healthcare center employees in a rural state. Methods: Among employees aged ≥18 years w...

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Main Authors: Brianna Wright (Author), Daniel Kang (Author), Allison Schuette (Author), Melissa A. Ward (Author), Matthew D. Krasowski (Author), Aaron M. Scherer (Author), Daniel J. Diekema (Author), Joseph Cavanaugh (Author), Loreen Herwaldt (Author)
Format: Book
Published: Cambridge University Press, 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:Abstract Objectives: We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) seroconversion and seroreversion rates, risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion, and COVID-19 risk perceptions among academic healthcare center employees in a rural state. Methods: Among employees aged ≥18 years who completed a screening survey (n = 1,377), we invited all respondents reporting previous COVID-19 (n = 85; 82 accepted) and a random selection of respondents not reporting previous COVID-19 (n = 370; 220 accepted) to participate. Participants completed surveys and provided blood samples at 3-month intervals (T0, T3, T6, T9). We used logistic regression to identify risk factors for seropositivity at T0. Results: The cohort was primarily direct patient caregivers (205/302; 67.9%), white (278/302; 92.1%), and female (212/302; 70.2%). At T0, 86/302 (28.4%) participants were seropositive. Of the seronegative participants, 6/198 (3.0%), 6/183 (3.3%), and 14/180 (7.8%) had seroconverted at T3, T6, and T9, respectively. The overall seroreversion rate was 6.98% at T9. At T0, nursing staff (odds ratio [OR], 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08, 5.19) and being within six feet of a non-household member outside of work (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.02, 8.33) had significantly higher odds of seropositivity. Vaccination (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02, 0.12) and face mask use (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.17, 0.78) were protective. Conclusions: The seroconversion and seroreversion rates were low among participants. Public health and infection prevention measures implemented early in the COVID-19 pandemic - vaccination, face mask use, and social distancing - were associated with significantly lower odds of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among participants.
Item Description:10.1017/ash.2024.420
2732-494X