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Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers with insufficient use of personal protective equipment in Denmark.

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Title:	Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers with insufficient use of personal protective equipment in Denmark.
Authors:	Bungum, Ane Berger¹, Tøttenborg, Sandra Søgaard^1,2, Begtrup, Luise Mølenberg^1,2, Petersen, Kajsa Ugelvig¹, Worm, Maja Søndergård¹, Bonde, Jens Peter^1,2, Dalbøge, Annett³, Kinnerup, Martin Byskov³, Würtz, Else Toft³, Kolstad, Henrik Albert^3,4, Schlünssen, Vivi⁵, Cramer, Christine^3,5, Biering, Karin⁶, Nielsen, Kent Jacob⁶, Flachs, Esben Meulengracht¹
Source:	Annals of Work Exposures & Health. Jan2025, Vol. 69 Issue 1, p96-103. 8p.
Subjects:	Risk assessment, Personal protective equipment, Research funding, Longitudinal method, COVID-19, COVID-19 pandemic, Industrial safety
Geographic Terms:	Denmark
Abstract:	Aim The aim was to evaluate the role of insufficient use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk for healthcare workers (HCW) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Prospective study within the COBRA cohort, including 15,127 HCW. Daily assessment of insufficient use of PPE, defined as self-reported PPE failure or noncompliance, in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection ascertained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Statistical analysis involved calculating incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The included HCW contributed to 780,515 risk days including 67,723 d (8.7%) with insufficient PPE use and 133 events (positive PCR test). Self-reported insufficient use of PPE was slightly associated with infection with COVID-19 in HCW, but the data were statistically consistent with parameter values ranging from a protective effect to a to a doubling in risk (IRR 1.3, 95% CI 0.8; 2.3). Sensitivity analyses restricted to high-risk departments and to a period with a sufficient supply of PPE and a fully developed testing system, respectively, confirmed these findings. Conclusion Insufficient use of PPE among HCW during the pandemic in Denmark was uncommon but associated with a slightly increased risk of COVID-19 among HCW. However, the findings are uncertain due to the limited number of cases and the potential for misclassification bias stemming from the self-reported nature of the exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Engineering Source
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Abstract:	Aim The aim was to evaluate the role of insufficient use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk for healthcare workers (HCW) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Prospective study within the COBRA cohort, including 15,127 HCW. Daily assessment of insufficient use of PPE, defined as self-reported PPE failure or noncompliance, in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection ascertained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Statistical analysis involved calculating incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The included HCW contributed to 780,515 risk days including 67,723 d (8.7%) with insufficient PPE use and 133 events (positive PCR test). Self-reported insufficient use of PPE was slightly associated with infection with COVID-19 in HCW, but the data were statistically consistent with parameter values ranging from a protective effect to a to a doubling in risk (IRR 1.3, 95% CI 0.8; 2.3). Sensitivity analyses restricted to high-risk departments and to a period with a sufficient supply of PPE and a fully developed testing system, respectively, confirmed these findings. Conclusion Insufficient use of PPE among HCW during the pandemic in Denmark was uncommon but associated with a slightly increased risk of COVID-19 among HCW. However, the findings are uncertain due to the limited number of cases and the potential for misclassification bias stemming from the self-reported nature of the exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	23987308
DOI:	10.1093/annweh/wxae075