A COVID-19 Outbreak in a Psychiatric Ward

Abstract

We examined risk factors for the occurrence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the psychiatric ward of A hospital. From January 16 to February 3, 2022, a case-control study was conducted of staff and patients in the physical complications unit of A hospital who were found to be infected with COVID-19. Univariate and logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors were as follows: for staff, care of infected patients who sang loudly (OR: 11.2, 95% CI: 1.06-119.00, p = 0.04) and number of care interventions (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.07-5.45, p = 0.03), and for patients, roommates' loud singing (OR: 21.1, 95% CI: 2.80-158.00, p < 0.01) and roommates being infected (OR: 24.4, 95% CI: 3.03-197.00, p < 0.01). It has been shown that mask-wearing by infected people can effectively reduce the exposure of others to droplets and aerosols. Many patients in psychiatric hospitals have difficulty wearing masks. However, masks can be worn in some cases if it is only temporary. Therefore, requesting patients to wear masks before providing care near them will help to prevent staff exposure. In addition, adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of aerosols, as well as the use of N95 masks for protection, is considered effective.