8292596 Factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 in workers of a brazilian oil and gas company

<h3>Objective</h3> To analyze factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 among workers in a Brazilian oil and gas company. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A quantitative and analytical study was conducted. The database from the company’s Occupational Health Surveillance Program was used as the source of information. The target population for this research consisted of 8,394 workers who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 2020 and June 2021. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to assess the factors associated with the outcomes of interest. Workers who contracted COVID-19 during the period were categorized into three groups: ‘not hospitalized,’ ‘hospitalized in the ward,’ and ‘hospitalized in the ICU or deceased.’ The categories ‘not hospitalized and hospitalized in the ward’ and ‘not hospitalized and ICU/death’ were compared. <h3>Results</h3> Of a total of 38,666 workers evaluated during the period, 8,394 were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the studied company. The logistic regression analysis revealed that being male (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.26–2.93) and being 60 years or older (OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.30–4.99) increased the likelihood of hospitalization in the ward due to COVID-19. Additionally, being male (OR 2.65; 95% CI 1.53–4.61) and being 60 years or older (OR 14.58; 95% CI 8.13–26.16) significantly increased the chances of severe COVID-19 that led to ICU admission or death. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The study assessed data from workers regarding COVID-19, which is crucial for the occupational field, where there is less evidence about the infection. The data suggest that the likelihood of severity increases for males, individuals aged over 60 years, and those with risk factors or comorbidities, warranting greater attention for these groups in prevention policies. The findings of this study will inform better strategies for prevention in similar situations and enhance worker protection through the adoption of sustainable risk management plans.