COVID-19-Infektionsquote im Bau- und Reinigungsgewerbe: bekannte Infektionen und Dunkelziffer. Teil 2: Frauen

Abstract

COVID-19 infection rate in the construction and cleaning industry: known infections and under-reporting factor. Part 2: Women Aims: The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among female construction and cleaning workers in Germany, to estimate the number of unreported cases, to consider whether it is possible to assume an increased risk compared to the general population and to examine the influence on the infection rate of job-specific risk factors such as place of work and occupation. Methods: We conducted a seroepidemiological study to detect antibodies to COVID-19 among n = 219 women who attended the participating occupational health centres for medical check-ups. The study participants completed a questionnaire which included questions on living conditions, occupation, professional status and known previous infection. 43 women worked in the cleaning industry (19.6 %), whilst 134 were predominantly office workers, managers and supervisors (61.2 %). Results: 14 women (6.4 %) knew that they had already been infected with COVID-19. Among the n = 205 women without known infection, antibodies to COVID-19 were positive in n = 9 subjects (4.1 %). Overall, 23 women (10.5 %) had a previous COVID-19 infection. In relation to the known COVID-19 infections, the number of unreported cases (under-reporting factor) was 64 %. It was not possible to establish whether working on construction sites had a definite influence on the infection rate. There are indications of an increased risk of infection for cleaning activities, especially in old people’s homes and hospitals. Conclusions: Occupational health and safety measures should be strengthened and consistently implemented for this group of people. The underreporting factor of 64 % indicates that not all people with an infection are recorded. Compliance with general protective measures is therefore of great importance in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19 – infection rate – under-reporting – construction and cleaning industry