Dynamic changes of complete blood cell count parameters among airport workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chongqing, China: A retrospective longitudinal study

Abstract

Background and aims: This study aimed to examine the dynamic changes in the complete blood counts of airport staff from 2019 to 2021 and assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on their overall health status during the first pandemic wave. Materials and methods: A total of 2144 airport staff members from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport who underwent health examinations for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021 were recruited for this study. Venous blood samples were collected for a complete blood cell count. Results: Changes were observed in blood routine parameters from airport staff over three consecutive years. After adjusting for age, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure, the red blood cell count decreased consecutively during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hemoglobin and basophil counts decreased significantly during COVID-19 year 1. Lymphocyte and platelet counts decreased, whereas the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio increased in COVID-19 year 2. However, the white blood cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and eosinophil count did not change from 2019 to 2021. Conclusion: This study showed changes in complete blood counts in frontline airport workers, especially men, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, paying more attention to the overall health conditions and immune function of airport staff engaged in intensive work is necessary.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Airport staff
• Complete blood count
• China