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Schwarz KM, Nienhaus A, Diel R. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dental healthcare workers - a systematic review and meta-analysis. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2024; 19:Doc09. [PMID: 38655123 PMCID: PMC11035909 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Mounting evidence supports an association between the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the risk of infection from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in dental healthcare workers (DCW). However, the prevalence and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the setting of dental care remains poorly characterized. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published prior to Mai 2023 providing epidemiological data for the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in DCW was performed. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The associated factors were narratively evaluated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for prevalence studies. Results Twenty-nine eligible studies were identified including a total of 85,274 DCW at risk; 27 studies met the criteria for the meta-analysis. Among the included DCW, the overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 11.8% (13,155/85,274; 95%CI, 7.5%-17%), whereby the degree of heterogeneity between the studies was considerable (I2=99.7%). The pooled prevalence rate for dentists and dental hygienists alone was 12.7% (1943/20,860; 95%CI, 8.0%-18.0%), showing significantly increased odds of contracting a SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to dental assistant personnel, the prevalence rate for which was less than half, at 5.2% (613/15,066; OR=2.42; 95% CI, 2.2-2.7). In the subgroup of 17 studies from countries with high income there was a significantly lower prevalence rate of 7.3% (95% CI, 5%-10%) in DCW compared to the prevalence rate in low- and middle-income countries, which came to 20.8% (95% CI, 14%-29%; p<0.001). In 19 out of the 29 studies (65.5%), specific information on the use of and adherence to PPE was absent while in the reports with concrete figures the wearing of N95 (or at least surgical masks) by DCW appeared to be associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence rates. Conclusions DCW were, depending in each case on their proximity to patients, at particular risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Until a significant level of vaccination protection against newer SARS-CoV-2 variants can be built up in the population, dental healthcare facilities should further maintain their focus on using PPE according to current guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Marie Schwarz
- Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Albert Nienhaus
- Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roland Diel
- Institute for Epidemiology, University Medical Hospital, Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- LungClinic Grosshansdorf, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Grosshansdorf, Germany
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Moguem Soubgui AF, Ndeme Mboussi WS, Kojom Foko LP, Embolo Enyegue EL, Koanga Mogtomo ML. Serological surveillance reveals a high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and altered immune response among COVID-19 unvaccinated Cameroonian individuals. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002380. [PMID: 38346064 PMCID: PMC10861046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Surveillance of COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 dynamics is crucial to understanding natural history and providing insights into the population's exposure risk and specific susceptibilities. This study investigated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, its predictors, and immunological status among unvaccinated patients in Cameroon. A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted between January and September 2022 in the town of Douala. Patients were consecutively recruited, and data of interest were collected using a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to determine Immunoglobin titres (IgM and IgG), interferon gamma (IFN- γ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by ELISA, and CD4+ cells by flow cytometry. A total of 342 patients aged 41.5 ± 13.9 years were included. Most participants (75.8%) were asymptomatic. The overall crude prevalence of IgM and IgG was 49.1% and 88.9%, respectively. After adjustment, the seroprevalence values were 51% for IgM and 93% for IgM. Ageusia and anosmia have displayed the highest positive predictive values (90.9% and 82.4%) and specificity (98.9% and 98.3%). The predictors of IgM seropositivity were being diabetic (aOR = 0.23, p = 0.01), frequently seeking healthcare (aOR = 1.97, p = 0.03), and diagnosed with ageusia (aOR = 20.63, p = 0.005), whereas those of IgG seropositivity included health facility (aOR = 0.15, p = 0.01), age of 40-50 years (aOR = 8.78, p = 0.01), married (aOR = 0.21, p = 0.02), fever (aOR = 0.08, p = 0.01), and ageusia (aOR = 0.08, p = 0.01). CD4+, IFN-γ, and IL-6 were impaired in seropositive individuals, with a confounding role of socio-demographic factors or comorbidities. Although the WHO declared the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency, the findings of this study indicate the need for continuous surveillance to adequately control the disease in Cameroon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlette Flore Moguem Soubgui
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, The University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
- Centre de Recherche et d’Expertise en Biologie, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Wilfred Steve Ndeme Mboussi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, The University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
- Centre de Recherche et d’Expertise en Biologie, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Loick Pradel Kojom Foko
- Centre de Recherche et d’Expertise en Biologie, Douala, Cameroon
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Elisée Libert Embolo Enyegue
- Center for Research on Health and Priority Diseases, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Centre Region, Cameroon
| | - Martin Luther Koanga Mogtomo
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, The University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
- Centre de Recherche et d’Expertise en Biologie, Douala, Cameroon
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Fernandez de Grado G, Villerey G, Musset AM, Offner D. Oral emergencies at Strasbourg teaching hospitals during the COVID-19 lockdown: Patient care circuits, typologies, and profiles. SANTE PUBLIQUE (VANDOEUVRE-LES-NANCY, FRANCE) 2023; 35:35-44. [PMID: 38040644 DOI: 10.3917/spub.hs1.2023.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of research We aimed to describe the type of emergencies as well as the population treated for oral emergencies at the Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaires (Dental Medicine and Surgery Center) of Strasbourg during the COVID-19 lockdown period from March 17 to May 9, 2020. Information on patient care circuits as well as the demographic and clinical data concerning all those who accessed the Center during the study period were collected by questionnaire and from medical files. Pain was rated on a numerical scale from 0 to 10. Diagnoses and treatments provided were divided into clinically relevant classes. During the forty-two days of activity, 2,470 patients were seen and 94.2 percent of them were treated. A constant increase in activity, almost doubling between the beginning and the end of the period, was observed. Pain with an intensity greater than or equal to 5 on the scale was reported by 77.9 percent of patients; pain greater than or equal to 7 by 52.5 percent of patients. Coordination between the various general practice and hospital organizations is necessary to deal with oral emergencies, considering the high number of patients concerned and the associated pain level. This coordination was particularly effective during the COVID-19 lockdown, which led to a massive and constantly increasing recourse to emergency dental care. We were able to describe and detail the consultations for oral emergencies and confirm that the intense associated pain did not allow treatment to be postponed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Fernandez de Grado
- Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Strasbourg, France
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaires, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine (RNM), FMTS, CRBS, Strasbourg, France
- Collège National des Chirurgiens-Dentistes Universitaires en Santé Publique (CNCDUSP)
| | - Guillaume Villerey
- Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Strasbourg, France
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaires, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne-Marie Musset
- Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Strasbourg, France
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaires, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine (RNM), FMTS, CRBS, Strasbourg, France
- Collège National des Chirurgiens-Dentistes Universitaires en Santé Publique (CNCDUSP)
| | - Damien Offner
- Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Strasbourg, France
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaires, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine (RNM), FMTS, CRBS, Strasbourg, France
- Collège National des Chirurgiens-Dentistes Universitaires en Santé Publique (CNCDUSP)
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Broyer C, Fernandez de Grado G, Offner D. The "new normal" of hygiene measures at the end of the COVID-19 epidemic: a survey among French dentists. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1199. [PMID: 37924078 PMCID: PMC10623841 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 epidemic upset the standards in terms of hygiene and protection in the dental office, bringing additional precautions for dentists. The objective of our study was to draw the "new normal" of hygiene measures at the end of the COVID-19 epidemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS A self-administered questionnaire about transitional recommendations for oral care in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic was published online in private groups dedicated to French dentists. RESULTS The 246 respondents understood the reasons behind those recommendations, since 10 out of 11 measures reached a mean score greater than 2.5 on a 0 (not at all) to 4 (absolutely) scale when it came to determining whether the measure made the practitioner feel safe and ensured patient safety. Besides, more of the respondents intended to maintain the measures than they were to apply them before the epidemic. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 epidemic reshaped the relationship to hygiene and protection measures in the context of dental practices. The "new normal" of hygiene measures at the end of the COVID-19 epidemic will probably involve more protective measures than before. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results constitute interesting avenues for public health deliberation, which would make it possible to best adapt future health recommendations in order to define the "new normal" of hygiene measures in dental practices at the end of the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, it could have an impact on all practitioners in their clinical activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Broyer
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université de Strasbourg, 8 rue Ste Elisabeth, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaires, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), 1 Place de l'Hôpital, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
| | - Gabriel Fernandez de Grado
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université de Strasbourg, 8 rue Ste Elisabeth, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaires, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), 1 Place de l'Hôpital, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
- INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine (RNM), FMTS, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
| | - Damien Offner
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université de Strasbourg, 8 rue Ste Elisabeth, Strasbourg, F-67000, France.
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaires, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), 1 Place de l'Hôpital, Strasbourg, F-67000, France.
- INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine (RNM), FMTS, Strasbourg, F-67000, France.
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Bitencourt FV, Lia EN, Pauletto P, Martins CC, Stefani CM, Massignan C, Canto GDL. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among oral health care workers worldwide: A meta-analysis. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2023; 51:718-728. [PMID: 36576013 PMCID: PMC9880752 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed to answer the following question 'What are the worldwide prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated factors among oral health-care workers (OHCWs) before vaccination?' METHODS Seven databases and registers as well as three grey databases were searched for observational studies in the field. Paired reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality. Overall seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 infection was analysed using a random-effect model subgrouped by professional category. Meta-regression was used to explore whether the Human Development Index (HDI) influenced the heterogeneity of results. The associated factors were narratively evaluated, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included (five cohorts and twelve cross-sectional studies), summing 73 935 participants (54 585 dentists and 19 350 dental assistants/technicians) from 14 countries. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among OHCWs was 9.3% (95% CI, 5.0%-14.7%; I2 = 100%, p < .01), being 9.5% for dentists (95% CI, 5.1%-15.0%; I2 = 100%, p < .01) and 11.6% for dental assistants/technicians (95% CI, 1.6%-27.4%; I2 = 99.0%, p < .01). In the meta-regression, countries with lower HDI showed higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = .002). Age, comorbidities, gender, ethnicity, occupation, smoking, living in areas of greater deprivation, job role and location/municipalities, income and protective measures in dental settings were associated with positive serological SARS-CoV-2 test, with very low certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS The SARS-CoV-2 virus infected 9.3% of the OHCWs evaluated worldwide before vaccination. OHCWs should be included in policy considerations, continued research, monitoring and surveillance (PROSPERO CRD42021246520).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Valentim Bitencourt
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Section for PeriodontologyAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Steno Diabetes Center AarhusAarhusDenmark
| | - Erica Negrini Lia
- Department of Dentistry, School of Health SciencesUniversity of BrasíliaBrasíliaBrazil
| | - Patrícia Pauletto
- Brazilian Centre for Evidence‐Based Research (COBE), Department of DentistryFederal University of Santa CatarinaFlorianópolisBrazil
- Dentistry of SchoolUniversidad De Las Américas (UDLA)QuitoEcuador
| | - Carolina Castro Martins
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of DentistryFederal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Cristine Miron Stefani
- Brazilian Centre for Evidence‐Based Research (COBE) and Department of DentistryUniversity of BrasíliaBrasíliaBrazil
| | - Carla Massignan
- Brazilian Centre for Evidence‐Based Research (COBE) and Department of DentistryUniversity of BrasíliaBrasíliaBrazil
| | - Graziela De Luca Canto
- Brazilian Centre for Evidence‐Based Research (COBE), Department of DentistryFederal University of Santa CatarinaFlorianópolisBrazil
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Shabestari M, Ansteinsson VE, Hovden EAS, Stangvaltaite-Mouhat L, Mdala I, Skudutyte-Rysstad R, Uhlen-Strand MM. One year of COVID-19 in dental health services in Norway: psychological impact, risk perceptions and vaccination status. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:972. [PMID: 37684589 PMCID: PMC10486048 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased psychological pressure on oral healthcare professionals (OHP) due to COVID-19 has been shown, yet little is known about the long-term psychological impacts. We aimed to study the psychological impact of COVID-19 and associated factors including perceived risk and preparedness and vaccination status among OHP in the first year after the lockdown period in Norway. METHODS A structured questionnaire sent electronically to dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants inquired experiences and perceptions during the second year following the outbreak in Norway. The questionnaire comprised a COVID-19 fear scale and questions about risk perception, preparedness and vaccination status. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to assess psychological impact, perception of risk and preparedness according to vaccination status of the respondents. RESULTS The majority of the 708 respondents were female (92.8%), had ten or more years of work experience (67.1%), and worked in public dental clinics (95.9%). Fears and concerns related to COVID-19 were common, 72.6% feared getting infected and 85.4% feared infecting others. Of the 642 respondents who agreed that their workplaces handled the situation well, 55.6% were fully vaccinated. Three factors were retrieved from EFA: Insecurity, Instability and Infection. SEM showed that females were more concerned with Infection, and respondents with long clinical experience were less likely to express fear about Instability. Fully vaccinated individuals felt more insecure about becoming infected, and those agreeing that their workplaces handled the current situation well were concerned with Insecurity. CONCLUSIONS Despite widespread perception of adequate preparedness and high vaccine coverage, a considerable psychological impact and high levels of fear of COVID-19 were observed among the majority of OHP. Fully vaccinated individuals had a larger psychological burden than not fully vaccinated and those with unknown vaccination status. These findings can inform means and interventions to reduce negative impacts of fear in populations with a high psychological burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shabestari
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Eastern Norway (OHCE-E), Oslo, Norway.
| | - V E Ansteinsson
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Eastern Norway (OHCE-E), Oslo, Norway
| | - E A S Hovden
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Eastern Norway (OHCE-E), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - I Mdala
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Eastern Norway (OHCE-E), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - M M Uhlen-Strand
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Eastern Norway (OHCE-E), Oslo, Norway
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7
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Bonn EL, Rohrhofer A, Audebert FX, Lang H, Auer DL, Scholz KJ, Schuster P, Wenzel JJ, Hiller KA, Buchalla W, Gottsauner JM, Vielsmeier V, Schmidt B, Cieplik F. Efficacy of a Mouthwash Containing CHX and CPC in SARS-CoV-2-Positive Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Dent Res 2023; 102:608-615. [PMID: 36942423 PMCID: PMC10030878 DOI: 10.1177/00220345231156415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Soon after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, preprocedural mouthwashes were recommended for temporarily reducing intraoral viral load and infectivity of individuals potentially infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in order to protect medical personnel. Particularly, the antiseptic cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) has shown virucidal effects against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Therefore, the aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy of a commercially available mouthwash containing CPC and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) at 0.05% each in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients as compared to a placebo mouthwash. Sixty-one patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with onset of symptoms within the last 72 h were included in this study. Oropharyngeal specimens were taken at baseline, whereupon patients had to gargle mouth and throat with 20 mL test or placebo (0.9% NaCl) mouthwash for 60 s. After 30 min, further oropharyngeal specimens were collected. Viral load was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and infectivity of oropharyngeal specimens was analyzed by virus rescue in cell culture and quantified via determination of tissue culture infectious doses 50% (TCID50). Data were analyzed nonparametrically (α = 0.05). Viral load slightly but significantly decreased upon gargling in the test group (P = 0.0435) but not in the placebo group. Viral infectivity as measured by TCID50 also significantly decreased in the test group (P = 0.0313), whereas there was no significant effect but a trend in the placebo group. Furthermore, it was found that the specimens from patients with a vaccine booster exhibited significantly lower infectivity at baseline as compared to those without vaccine booster (P = 0.0231). This study indicates that a preprocedural mouthwash containing CPC and CHX could slightly but significantly reduce the viral load and infectivity in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients. Further studies are needed to corroborate these results and investigate whether the observed reductions in viral load and infectivity could translate into clinically useful effects in reducing COVID-19 transmission (German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00027812).
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Bonn
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - A Rohrhofer
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - F X Audebert
- Praxiszentrum Alte Mälzerei, Regensburg, Germany
| | - H Lang
- Praxiszentrum Alte Mälzerei, Regensburg, Germany
| | - D L Auer
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - K J Scholz
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - P Schuster
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - J J Wenzel
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - K-A Hiller
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - W Buchalla
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - J M Gottsauner
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - V Vielsmeier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - B Schmidt
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - F Cieplik
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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8
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Bonde JPE, Sell L, Flachs EM, Coggon D, Albin M, Oude Hengel KM, Kolstad H, Mehlum IS, Schlünssen V, Solovieva S, Torén K, Jakobsson K, Nielsen C, Nilsson K, Rylander L, Petersen KU, Tøttenborg SS. Occupational risk of COVID-19 related hospital admission in Denmark 2020-2021: a follow-up study. Scand J Work Environ Health 2023; 49:84-94. [PMID: 36228167 PMCID: PMC10549918 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mounting evidence indicates increased risk of COVID-19 among healthcare personnel, but the evidence on risks in other occupations is limited. In this study, we quantify the occupational risk of COVID-19-related hospital admission in Denmark during 2020-2021. METHODS The source population included 2.4 million employees age 20-69 years. All information was retrieved from public registers. The risk of COVID-19 related hospital admission was examined in 155 occupations with at least 2000 employees (at-risk, N=1 620 231) referenced to a group of mainly office workers defined by a COVID-19 job exposure matrix (N=369 341). Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were computed by Poisson regression. RESULTS During 186 million person-weeks of follow-up, we observed 2944 COVID-19 related hospital admissions in at-risk occupations and 559 in referents. Adjusted risk of such admission was elevated in several occupations within healthcare (including health care assistants, nurses, medical practitioners and laboratory technicians but not physiotherapists or midwives), social care (daycare assistants for children aged 4-7, and nursing aides in institutions and private homes, but not family daycare workers) and transportation (bus drivers, but not lorry drivers). Most IRR in these at-risk occupations were in the range of 1.5-3. Employees in education, retail sales and various service occupations seemed not to be at risk. CONCLUSION Employees in several occupations within and outside healthcare are at substantially increased risk of COVID-19. There is a need to revisit safety measures and precautions to mitigate viral transmission in the workplace during the current and forthcoming pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Peter Ellekilde Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Frederiksberg Hospitals, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-Copenhagen 2400 NV, Denmark.
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Sell
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Esben Meulengracht Flachs
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Coggon
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Maria Albin
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karen Marieke Oude Hengel
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Department of Work Health Technology, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Henrik Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Århus, Denmark
| | - Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- National Research Center for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Kjell Torén
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kristina Jakobsson
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christel Nielsen
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Nilsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Public Health, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Lars Rylander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Ugelvig Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Rock LD, Madathil S, Khanna M, Macdonald LK, Quiñonez C, Glogauer M, Allison P. COVID-19 incidence and vaccination rates among Canadian dental hygienists. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL HYGIENE : CJDH = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE L'HYGIENE DENTAIRE : JCHD 2022; 56:123-130. [PMID: 36451991 PMCID: PMC9674005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral health care settings potentially carry a high risk of cross-infection due to close contact and aerosol-generating procedures. There is limited evidence of the impact of COVID-19 among dental hygienists. This longitudinal study aimed to 1) estimate COVID-19 incidence rates among Canadian dental hygienists over a 1-year period; and 2) estimate vaccination rates among Canadian dental hygienists. METHODS A prospective cohort study design was used to collect self-reported COVID-19 status from 876 registered dental hygienists across Canada via an online baseline survey and then 6 follow-up questionnaires delivered between December 2020 and January 2022. Bayesian Poisson and binomial models were used to estimate the incidence rate and cumulative incidence of self-reported COVID-19. RESULTS The estimated cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in dental hygienists in Canada from December 2020 to January 2022 was 2.39% (95% CrI, 1.49%-3.50%), while the estimated cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in corresponding Canadian provinces was 5.12% (95% CrI, 5.12%-5.13%) during the same period. At last follow-up, 89.4% of participants self-reported that they had received at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION The low infection rate observed among Canadian dental hygienists between December 2020 and January 2022 is reassuring to the dental hygiene and general community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigha D Rock
- Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sreenath Madathil
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mehak Khanna
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Carlos Quiñonez
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Glogauer
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Allison
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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