The Bangladesh Healthcare Worker Cohort – Assessing the Longitudinal Impact of COVID-19 on Occupational and Psychological Health: Cohort Profile

The Bangladesh HCW Cohort is a prospective study established to assess the physical and psychological effects of COVID-19 on Bangladeshi HCWs. This paper outlines the study design and baseline characteristics of the cohort participants. The cohort was initiated in February 2021 and enrolled 3,697 HCWs. Baseline demographic, clinical, and occupational risk data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Participants were followed up biweekly to monitor changes in risk factors over time. Validated instruments were used to assess mental health outcomes and infection prevention and control practices. In January 2023, a second phase of the study was initiated to examine breakthrough COVID-19 infections, immune responses by vaccine type, long-term consequences of COVID-19, and booster vaccine uptake. The median age of the HCWs recruited to the cohort was 36 years (IQR: 30-44), and 53.5% were female. Nurses accounted for approximately half of the participants (47.8%), followed by support staff (31.8%) and physicians (20.4%). Nearly half of participants (47%) reported symptomatic COVID-19, most commonly fever (82%) and cough (56%). Additionally, 32% reported hospitalization due to COVID-19.The Bangladesh HCW Cohort provides a prospective platform to evaluate the occupational, physical, and psychological impacts of COVID-19 among HCWs, generating evidence to inform occupational health policy and workforce protection strategies in Bangladesh.