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. 2023 Jul 1;65(7):573-579.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002836. Epub 2023 Mar 7.

Incidence and Predictors of COVID-19 Infection in Prison Healthcare Workers

Julie Caruth  1 , Kathleen Black, Alicia Legard, Adriana De Resende, Kylie Getz, Michelle Borowski, Lisa Debilio, Arthur Brewer, Howard Kipen, Iris G Udasin, Judith M Graber
Affiliations
Free PMC article

Incidence and Predictors of COVID-19 Infection in Prison Healthcare Workers

Julie Caruth et al. J Occup Environ Med. .
Free PMC article

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection among correctional healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review to describe the demographic and workplace characteristics of New Jersey correctional HCWs between March 15, 2020, and August 31, 2020, using univariate and multivariable analysis.

Results: Among 822 HCWs, patient-facing staff had the highest incidence of infection (7.2%). Associated risk factors include being Black and working in a maximum-security prison. There were few statistically significant findings due to small total numbers ( n = 47) that tested positive.

Conclusions: Correctional HCWs' challenging work environment creates unique risk factors for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Administrative measures taken by the department of corrections may have a significant role in curbing the spread of infection. The findings can help focus preventive measures for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in this unique population.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: None declared.

References

    1. Wallace M, Hagan L, Curran KG, et al. COVID-19 in correctional and detention facilities—United States, February–April 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep . 2020;69:587–590.
    1. Beaudry G, Zhong S, Whiting D, Javid B, Frater J, Fazel S. Managing outbreaks of highly contagious diseases in prisons: a systematic review. BMJ Glob Health . 2020;5, e003201.
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    1. Saloner B, Parish K, Ward JA, DiLaura G, Dolovich S. COVID-19 cases and deaths in federal and state prisons. JAMA . 2020;324:602–603.
    1. Federal Bureau of Prisons. COVID-19 modified operational levels. Available at: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ab22fb4c564e4f4b986e257c685190e... . Accessed August 21, 2022.

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