EXPOSURE TO SARS-COV2 AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN IRAQ 2020-2021

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) imposed a major burden on the healthcare systems worldwide. Healthcare workers have a higher risk to acquire the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 and further spread it to the community. Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 is still rapidly spreading in Iraq. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection among healthcare workers in Iraq and to further gain knowledge regarding the protective health behaviors adapted by the healthcare workers and the severity of their symptoms. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out using online based questionnaires. A total of 304 Healthcare workers were asked voluntarily to fill completely anonymous questionnaires through various social media (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) Data were collected between 15th of Feb. to the 28th of May 2021. Results: Out of the total 304, 260 healthcare workers responded to the survey, the mean age was 32.06 years, the females proportion was 57.3%. Out of the 260 participants, 133 (51.2%) reported that they had a confirmed COVID-19 infection. Presenting during an aerosol generating procedure and providing direct care to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients were associated with higher rate to acquire the infection as 69.8 % of those who presented during an aerosolizing procedure and 57.8% of those workers who provided direct care for confirmed or suspected patients reported they had a positive infection. Mal hand hygiene practice was significantly associated with higher rate of infection as 80% of those who didn’t practice good hand hygiene were tested positive for the novel virus. Among the 133 HCWs who had a positive test 113 (85%) had a mild to moderate infection, 14 (10.5%) required hospital admission, 16 (12%) required oxygen therapy. Conclusion: A moderate to high level of infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 among healthcare workers in Iraq.