INFECÇÃO POR SARS-COV-2 EM PROFISSIONAIS DO SERVIÇO DE ATENDIMENTO MÓVEL DE URGÊNCIA DE MATO GROSSO DO SUL

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global public health, as healthcare professionals (HP) must adapt to new work processes. In this context, mobile emergency pre-hospital service professionals are more exposed to the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and identify predictive factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among professionals working in ambulances, basic life support, and advanced life support of the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). Methodology: This prospective, cross-sectional study used primary data using quantitative approach. SARS-CoV-2 infection was considered a self-report of at least one positive result for detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-qPCR or detection of viral protein/antigen by rapid test (RT). Results: The study population consisted of 197 individuals, with an average age of 42 years, predominantly composed of men (57%) and professionals with higher education (72%). Overweight/obesity was reported by 74% of the participants, and only 22% had a previous diagnosis of any comorbidity. The most common professional category was nursing technicians (31%). The majority worked in only one healthcare institution (62%) for two or more shifts (64%), and 42% reported weekly working hours between 37 and 60 hours (42%). Although 40% of the participants reported not using personal protective equipment (PPE) at some point, the majority received training for correctly using PPE (87%). A high prevalence of 55.3% (95% CI: 48.3-68.2) of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed among professionals. After multivariate analysis, factors associated with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection were previous contact with an infected person and having received less than two or no training for the correct use of PPE. Conclusions: These results suggest that SAMU professionals have a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and that training for correctly using PPE plays a significant role in protecting these professionals. Keywords: COVID-19. Healthcare Professionals. Emergency Medical Services. Emergency responders.