Association Between the “COVID-19 Occupational Vulnerability Index” and COVID-19 Severity and Sequelae Among Hospital Employees

Abstract

Objectives: In addition to personal and health related factors, healthcare workers have an increased risk due to their work. We assessed the association of the score of the Occupational Vulnerability Index with the risk of suffering a severe COVID-19 and sequelae. Methods: Retrospective observational study carried out in healthcare workers. Among 119 employees infected, the COVID-19 Occupational Vulnerability Index (composed of 29 items regarding personal health, working conditions, and ability to comply with preventive measures) was calculated and correlated with COVID-19\u200aseverity/sequelae. Results: Workers with higher scores (six to seven points) had a significantly increased risk of developing severe disease (OR\u200a=\u200a9.73; 95% CI, 1.53 to 35.56) and clinical sequelae (OR\u200a=\u200a5.22; 95% CI, 1.80 to 15.16) than those with lower scores (0 to 3). Conclusion: The “COVID-19 Occupational Vulnerability Index” may predict the risk of severe COVID-19 disease and clinical sequelae among healthcare workers.