Background:

Frontline healthcare workers are the first to face epidemiological outbreaks, such as the caused by the emerging infectious agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Compliance with protective measures is essential to avoid the infection. Therefore, use of personal protection equipment (PPE) was implemented.

Method:

Dissemination of a voluntary and anonymous survey among employees in healthcare centers. (Data obtained from 6th November 2020 to 6th February 2021). 443 valid answers were received. The correct use and access to PPE was evaluated, cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were measured as well as the effect of the pandemic on healthcare workers.

The design of the study is cross-sectional, descriptive and prospective.

Results:

Greater perception of the errors committed (x2 =161.663 with a p=0.000), greater probability of contagion (x2 = 81.118 with a p=0.024) and longer duration of symptoms (x2 = 440.955 with a p= 0.001) according to the profession.

Relationship between the residence and nationality of the healthcare worker with the infection by SARS-CoV-2 x2 =72.630 with a p=0.020 and x2 =61.247 with a p=0.132. Relationship between the number of PPE used and SARS-CoV-2 infection (x2 = 38.373 with a p= 0.032). Greater risk of contagion according to the workplace: care homes (x2 = 10.223 with a p= 0.006), respiratory wards (x2 =6.050 with a p= 0.049) and palliative care units (x2 = 7.795 with a p=0.020).

Conclusions:

Healthcare workers have not been adequately protected against the SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially at the beginning of the pandemic.

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