BMJ Open (Apr 2022)

COVID-19 among workers of a comprehensive cancer centre between first and second epidemic waves (2020): a seroprevalence study in Catalonia, Spain

  • Candela Calle,
  • Esteve Fernández,
  • Adaia Albasanz-Puig,
  • Carlota Gudiol,
  • Anna Saura-Lazaro,
  • Jordi Trelis,
  • Eva Loureiro,
  • Delphine Casabonne,
  • Maria Ángeles Domínguez,
  • Paula Peremiquel-Trillas,
  • Laia Alemany,
  • Yolanda Benavente-Moreno,
  • Sandra Cabrera,
  • Angela Duran,
  • Lidia Garrote,
  • Immaculada Brao,
  • Maica Galán,
  • Francesc Soler,
  • Joaquim Julià,
  • Dolça Cortasa,
  • Dolors Ramírez-Tarruella,
  • Joan Muniesa,
  • Juan Pedro Rivas,
  • Carles Muñoz-Montplet,
  • Ana Sedano,
  • Àngel Plans,
  • Beatriz Calvo-Cerrada,
  • Ana Clopés,
  • Dolors Carnicer-Pont

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056637
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 4

Abstract

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Objectives Patients with cancer are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 surveillance of workers in oncological centres is crucial to assess infection burden and prevent transmission. We estimate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among healthcare workers (HCWs) of a comprehensive cancer centre in Catalonia, Spain, and analyse its association with sociodemographic characteristics, exposure factors and behaviours.Design Cross-sectional study (21 May 2020–26 June 2020).Setting A comprehensive cancer centre (Institut Català d’Oncologia) in Catalonia, Spain.Participants All HCWs (N=1969) were invited to complete an online self-administered epidemiological survey and provide a blood sample for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detection.Primary outcome measure Prevalence (%) and 95% CIs of seropositivity together with adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% CI were estimated.Results A total of 1266 HCWs filled the survey (participation rate: 64.0%) and 1238 underwent serological testing (97.8%). The median age was 43.7 years (p25–p75: 34.8–51.0 years), 76.0% were female, 52.0% were nursing or medical staff and 79.0% worked on-site during the pandemic period. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 8.9% (95% CI 7.44% to 10.63%), with no differences by age and sex. No significant differences in terms of seroprevalence were observed between onsite workers and teleworkers. Seropositivity was associated with living with a person with COVID-19 (aPR 3.86, 95% CI 2.49 to 5.98). Among on-site workers, seropositive participants were twofold more likely to be nursing or medical staff. Nursing and medical staff working in a COVID-19 area showed a higher seroprevalence than other staff (aPR 2.45, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.52).Conclusions At the end of the first wave of the pandemic in Spain, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among Institut Català d’Oncologia HCW was lower than the reported in other Spanish hospitals. The main risk factors were sharing household with infected people and contact with COVID-19 patients and colleagues. Strengthening preventive measures and health education among HCW is fundamental.