Data on the SARS-CoV-2 infection among primary health care workers (PHCWs) are scarce but essential to reflect on policy regarding prevention and control measures. We assessed the prevalence of PHCWs who have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 in comparison with modeling from the general population in metropolitan France, and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among general practitioners (GPs), pediatricians, dental and pharmacy workers in primary care between May and August 2021. Participants volunteered to provide a dried-blood spot for SARS-CoV-2 antibody assessment and completed a questionnaire. The primary outcome was defined as the detection of infection-induced antibodies (anti-nucleocapsid IgG, and for non-vaccinees: anti-Spike IgG and neutralizing antibodies) or previous self-reported infection (positive RT-qPCR or antigenic test, or positive ELISA test before vaccination). Estimates were adjusted using weights for representativeness and compared with prediction from the general population. Poisson regressions were used to quantify associated factors. The analysis included 1612 PHCWs. Weighted prevalences were: 31.7% (95% CI 27.5-36.0) for GPs, 28.7% (95% CI 24.4-33.0) for pediatricians, 25.2% (95% CI 20.6-31.0) for dentists, and 25.5% (95% CI 18.2-34.0) for pharmacists. Estimates were compatible with model predictions for the general population. PHCWs more likely to be infected were: GPs compared to pharmacist assistants (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 2.26; CI 95% 1.01-5.07), those living in Île-de-France (aPR = 1.53; CI 95% 1.14-2.05), South-East (aPR = 1.57; CI 95% 1.19-2.08), North-East (aPR = 1.81; CI 95% 1.38-2.37), and those having an unprotected contact with a COVID-19 case within the household (aPR = 1.48; CI 95% 1.22-1.80). Occupational factors were not associated with infection. In conclusion, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure for PHCWs was more likely to have occurred in the community rather than at their workplace.
Auteur : Pouquet Marie, Decarreaux Dorine, Di Domenico Laura, Sabbatini Chiara E, Prévot-Monsacre Pol, Fourié Toscane, Villarroel Paola Mariela Saba, Priet Stephane, Blanché Hélène, Sebaoun Jean-Marc, Deleuze Jean-François, Turbelin Clément, Rossignol Louise, Werner Andréas, Kochert Fabienne, Grosgogeat Brigitte, Rabiega Pascaline, Laupie Julien, Abraham Nathalie, Noël Harold, van der Werf Sylvie, Colizza Vittoria, Carrat Fabrice, Charrel Remi, de Lamballerie Xavier, Blanchon Thierry, Falchi Alessandra
Scientific reports, 2024, vol. 14, n°. 1, p. 5418
