Study of COVID-19 Seroprevalence Among Healthcare Workers at Dedicated COVID Hospital in Southern Rajasthan

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a pandemic, has affected approximately 90,000 healthcare workers
(HCWs) worldwide and 548 HCWs in India with an infection rate of 6%. Seroprevalence studies can provide relevant
information which is useful for assessing the level of exposure among hospital personnel, to avoid unnecessary quarantines
and for healthcare resource planning. Aims and objectives: Study of COVID-19 seroprevalence, clinical profile and outcomes
among HCWs working at a dedicated COVID hospital in southern Rajasthan. Material and methods: It was a cross-sectional
study conducted among 100 HCWs posted in various wards of dedicated COVID hospital at the RNT Medical College,
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, over a period of 2 months from April 2020 to May 2020. Results: Out of 100 HCWs, 68% were
male and 32% were female with mean age 31.90 years and 16% had seropositive response. Majority, i.e., 81% seropositive
HCWs were asymptomatic and all had good outcome (discharged). Conclusion: It is advisable that this high-risk population
of HCWs should follow infection prevention and control (IPC) protocol as well as institutional quarantine protocol, screening
and training at timely interval to protect themselves.