Super-factors associated with transmission of occupational COVID-19 infection among healthcare staff in Wuhan, China

• Published in: The Journal of hospital infection 2020-09, Vol.106 (1), p.25-34
• Main Authors: Wang, Y., Wu, W., Cheng, Z., Tan, X., Yang, Z., Zeng, X., Mei, B., Ni, Z., Wang, X.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Betacoronavirus; China - epidemiology; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; Coronavirus Infections - transmission; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Personnel - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Infection; Male; Medical staff; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases - epidemiology; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; Pneumonia, Viral - transmission; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Social network analysis; Super-factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0195-6701; 1532-2939
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.06.023

Globally, there have been many cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among medical staff; however, the main factors associated with the infection are not well understood. To identify the super-factors causing COVID-19 infection in medical staff in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 1st and February 30th, 2020, in which front-line members of medical staff who took part in the care and treatment of patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. Epidemiological and demographic data between infected and uninfected groups were collected and compared. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to establish socio-metric social links between influencing factors. A total of 92 medical staff were enrolled. In all participant groups, the super-factor identified by the network was wearing a medical protective mask or surgical mask correctly (degree: 572; closeness: 25; betweenness centrality: 3.23). Touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working was the super-factor in the infected group. This was the biggest node in the network and had the strongest influence (degree: 370; closeness: 29; betweenness centrality: 0.37). Self-protection score was the super-factor in the uninfected group but was the isolated factor in the infected group (degree: 201; closeness: 28; betweenness centrality: 5.64). For family members, the exposure history to Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and the contact history to wild animals were two isolated nodes. High self-protection score was the main factor that prevented medical staff from contracting COVID-19 infection. The main factor contributing to COVID-19 infections among medical staff was touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working.