Seroprevalence of COVID-19 Among Health Care Workers in Primary Health Care Centers in Al-Sader City District, Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Background The SARS-CoV-2 infection produces detectable immune responses in most cases reported to date. A serological test could capture previous asymptomatic infections and help to assess the immune status of a subject. Health care workers are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, and providing personal protective equipment is the primary strategy to prevent disease transmission within the health care setting. Objective The aim of this paper was to determinate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 among health care workers in primary health care centers in the AL-Sader city district. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 9 primary health care centers, which were selected using a cluster random sampling technique from November 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. Results A total of 470 participants were enrolled in the study; 101 (21.5%) of them had a history of COVID-19 infection, and 76 (16.1%) were diagnosed by polymerase reaction chain. There was a significant association between rapid tests and history of COVID-19 infection (P<.001). Rapid test sensitivity was 56.6%, and specificity was 79.2%. The rapid test was positive in 125 (26.6%) participants: IgG 104 (83.2%), IgM 5 (4%), and both IgG-IgM 16 (12.8%). Conclusions The percent of COVID-19 infection is higher than the expected level among participants. A significant association was found between rapid tests and COVID-19 infection, smoking, comorbidity, personal protective equipment training, and household infection.