P271. Risk Factors Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Related Depression Among Immigrant Latino Essential Workers in Suffolk County, New York

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and deaths remain substantially higher among Latino populations in the United States. Risk of infection may be associated with occupational exposures and a greater burden of depression. This study sought to identify factors associated with COVID-19 infection and COVID 19 related depression among immigrant Latino essential workers. A cross-sectional telephone survey to assess the prevalence of infection and COVID-19 related needs and concerns was administered. Depression was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Comparisons by essential worker group: Indoor (i.e. supermarket)/Outdoor (i.e. construction) were determined using Nonparametric Mann Whitney U test, X2, and Fisher tests. Multivariable logistic regression models were estimated to determine factors associated with the probability of prior infection and COVID-19 related depression (PHQ9 score >=10). 227 essential workers (median [IQR] 39.9 [32.7-47.6] years; 130 [57.3%] male; 213 (93.8%) foreign born) completed the survey. Seventy (30.0%) reported prior COVID-19 infection. Outdoor workers were more likely to be male, report higher housing density, and were less likely to be insured. Outdoor worker status was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 infection. Odds of depression was higher for respondents reporting prior infection, increased with the number of needs reported, and was nearly five times higher for uninsured workers. Data from Latino essential workers in regions with high rates of infection indicate the need for occupational precautions to mitigate risks of reinfection. Results further underscore the need for clinical screenings to identify the burden of COVID-19 related depression in at risk populations.