Occupational exposure to Covid-19 in Latin American Healthcare Workers, May 2020

Abstract

Abstract
 Introduction. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus, which not only poses a great challenge, but is setting a precedent for the medical community. In this situation, it is suggested that all personnel who are exposed to occupational risks - specifically biological risk - will use the necessary personal and collective protection equipment provided by the institution or company for which they work. Workers in areas and jobs at high risk of infection can be stigmatized and discriminated, leading to their exclusion from the community and their increased exposure to violence and harassment. Objective. Analyze the occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in health personnel in Latin America in May, 2020. Methods and materials. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out; a non-probabilistic sample of 713 volunteers participated. An online questionnaire of 30 closed questions was applied. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel 2019, using frequency analysis and central tendency measurements. The Helsinki bioethics recommendations were considered. Results and discussion. Health workers from 13 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, from 7 professions in the health sector, participated. The personal and labor/institutional risk factors and repercussions on the personnel were detailed. Conclusions. The implementation and strengthening of policies and strategies is suggested to provide the necessary equipment to workers and improve the institutional response in order to avoid burnout in the staff, due to overload of work and extreme work hours, in order to mitigate the psychological impact that is being suffered.