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Analysis Study Research Paper | Public Health | India | Volume 12 Issue 4, April 2023
Sero-Prevalence of COVID-19 Antibody among Employees of a STEEL Industry: A Cross Sectional Study
Dr. Avinash Dash | Dr. Ashish Mahapatra | Dr. Prasanta Kumar Dass [3] | Dr. Pradyuspita Sahoo
Abstract: Introduction: Corona virus was declared as a global pandemic by WHO on 11th March 2020. There has been substantial evidence that a large proportion of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic but can infect others. Likewise Rapid Ag test and RT-PCR had their own limitations in detecting COVID-19 infection. Sero-prevalence of IgG antibodies against COVID-19 is an important tool to estimate the true extent of infection in a cohort and to implement control measures according to it. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 antibody in serum of employees of a STEEL INDUSTRY in Odisha. Methodology: This is a Cross Sectional Study conducted among the employees of a steel industry in Odisha. The employees of the steel industry were the study population. The study period was from December 2020 to February 2021. All the employees were informed about the antibody test going to be conducted at the hospital one week before the test and were asked to remain present on the day of serum COVID-19 antibody test. Total 972 samples were collected from 23rd Jan 2021 onwards till 31st January and were sent for antibody level estimation to Tertiary Care Centre (NABH accredited and authorized for COVID testing and COVID patient treatment) on daily basis. Proper COLD CHAIN as per the Govt. guidelines was bring maintained during transfer of the sample for antibody testing. A pretested questionnaire was administered to all of them. After one week the results were obtained, compiled and analyzed with SPSS software. Those who remained absent during the sample collection, those who are seriously ill or suffering from COVID-19 infection were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 972 people were included in the study with mean age of 37+2.43 years and 99.6% male employees. Positive serology i. e COVID-19 antibody level 1 or >1 was found among 240 (25%) employees. Among those 240 employees only 51 (21.2%) were symptomatic and tested positive for COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: The current sero-prevalence study rightly provides information on proportion of the population exposed to COVID-19 infection. Hence, the golden rule of Social distancing, sanitization, personal protective equipment and public health measures have to be continued in the workplace to control spread of virus and maintain good health among employees. Study Population: Employees of a Steel Industry, Odisha.
Keywords: Sero Prevalence, IgG antibody, COVID-19 infection
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 4, April 2023,
Pages: 1755 - 1758