Incidence and Predictors of COVID-19 Infection in Prison Healthcare Workers

Details

• Alternative Title:
  J Occup Environ Med
• Personal Author:
  Caruth, Julie ; Black, Kathleen ; Legard, Alicia ; De Resende, Adriana ; Getz, Kylie ; Borowski, Michelle ; Debilio, Lisa ; Brewer, Arthur ; Kipen, Howard ; Udasin, Iris G. ; Graber, Judith M.
• Description:
  Objectives:
  
  To assess the predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection among correctional healthcare workers (HCWs).
  
  Methods:
  
  We conducted a retrospective chart review to describe the demographic and workplace characteristics of New Jersey correctional HCWs between 03/15/2020 and 08/31/2020, using univariate and multivariable analysis.
  
  Results:
  
  Among 822 HCWs, patient-facing staff had the highest incidence of infection (7.2%). Associated risk factors include being Black and working in a maximum-security prison. There were few statistically significant findings due to small total numbers (n=47), that tested positive.
  
  Conclusions:
  
  Correctional HCWs’ challenging work environment creates unique risk factors for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Administrative measures taken by the department of corrections may have a significant role in curbing the spread of infection. The findings can help focus preventive measures for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in this unique population.
  
  
• Subjects:
  Adult Aged COVID-19 Female Health Personnel Humans Incidence Male Middle Aged Occupational Health Prisons Retrospective Studies Risk Factors SARS-CoV-2 Young Adult

  More +
• Keywords:
  Correctional Healthcare Workers Prison
• Source:
  J Occup Environ Med. 65(7):573-579
• Pubmed ID:
  36882811
• Pubmed Central ID:
  PMC10329989
• Document Type:
  Journal Article
• Funding:
  P30 ES005022/ES/NIEHS NIH HHSUnited States/ ; T42 OH008422/OH/NIOSH CDC HHSUnited States/
• Volume:
  65
• Issue:
  7
• Collection(s):
  CDC Public Access
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:8ab1d92872e703d919983240c80a83b2b16e9148e05a022efdc58ca8375e31404a024a9f201d1407a3c986d570c98982f88bd5c6929bb9346a49ff2987159cb2
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/130841/cdc_130841_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 534.65 KB ]