COVID-19 Reinfection and Work Environment Factors Among Healthcare Workers in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVE

To assess COVID-19 reinfection rates among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Vietnam and identify associated work environment risk factors.

METHODS

Eight hundred seventy-five HCWs were followed for 20 to 24 weeks with bi-weekly testing. Risk factor data were collected via self-administered questionnaires. Cumulative incidence proportions and incidence rates were calculated. The associations between reinfection rates and risk factors were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard regression models.

RESULTS

The reinfection rate was 1.11 cases per 1000 person-days, affecting 12.7% of HCWs. Using all prevention measures in medical settings did not reduce reinfection risk, whereas adhering to all prevention measures in the community reduced risk. Risk was lower among females, older individuals, and nurses, but higher among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated HCWs.

CONCLUSION

Further assessment of work- and non-work-related risk factors for HCWs COVID-19 reinfection is needed.(STROBE Checklist: item no. 1b , http://links.lww.com/JOM/C18).