Study of the vulnerability and risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 of interns and residents in the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center (IR-UHC) in Casablanca

Introduction: Healthcare workers are very exposed to SARS-CoV-2, that’s causing a vulnerability issue for some of them. The presence of certain risk factors in these workers requires an assessment of the risk of exposure. Patients and methods: Our study is a cross-sectional descriptive survey by self-questionnaire posted on Google Forms from June 1st to July 31, 2021, intended for residents and interns at IR-UHC. Our objective is to assess the vulnerability and degree of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 through an appropriate risk level matrix. Results: 280 physicians responded, 36% were vulnerable, mainly asthma (39%), or on corticosteroid therapy (37%). 95% were at high risk of exposure. The level of risk was classified as critical among two-thirds of physicians, of which 67.7% were working shifts in Covid-19 units, 19% were working in a radiology department, 10% in an intensive care unit and 2% in a biology department;less than a third of the doctors presented an unacceptable level of risk of which 72.2% were on Covid-19 shifts, 7% were working in a radiology department and 2% in a biology department.The lack of availability of PPE was found in 64% of doctors. 65.4% of the doctors questioned were infected with Covid 19, of which 70.2% had moderate infection and 6.1% severe one. Conclusion: The high-risk level of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among physicians requires the strengthening of preventive measures, and especially the involvement of occupational physicians in the decision of medical aptitude for the post of vulnerable staff.

Study of the circumstances of contamination by SARS-CoV-2 of resident physicians at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center (IR-UHC) in Casablanca

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a major global health crisis and has brought healthcare professionals at high risk of occupational exposure to the forefront. Evaluating the circumstances of contamination can lead to improving prevention measures. Materials and methods: Our study focuses on resident physicians in training at the IR-UHC, through a self-administered survey posted on Google-Forms from August 1st to August 21, 2021. Our objective is to assess the circumstances of occupational and extra-occupational contamination by SARS-CoV-2, the contamination is retained on the basis of biological or CT criteria;contact tracing involves the two weeks preceding the onset of symptoms. Results: 165 residents responded. The diagnosis was made mainly by RT-PCR in 90.9%. Extra-professional contamination through contact with those around them concerns 27.3%. Among the circumstances of occupational contamination, we find history and physical examination performed in a distance less than 1 meter (81.8%), endo-buccal examination (27.3%) and nasopharyngeal swab (20%). 80% participate in professional physical meetings with several persons in a room. 69.1% say they have their meals in a break room where the barrier protection measures aren't respected, namely the disrespect of distance (81.8%) with sometimes or never wearing a mask during breaks. Conclusion: This survey underlines the importance of respecting barrier protection measures in the workplace but also outside of work. Strengthening these measures in the healthcare environment is necessary to protect healthcare professionals.