High-risk occupations for COVID-19 - risk mechanisms, possibilities for protective actions and contributing effects of structural living conditions

The prevalence of COVID-19 is markedly elevated in many occupations outside the healthcare sector, characterised by low wages, low training requirements and a large proportion of foreign-born workers.

Still, reasons for a higher prevalence and to which extent adjacent living conditions or being foreign-born contribute, is unknown.

This project aims are to investigate work related and adjoining social risks factors for COVID-19 (infection, hospital care and death) in occupations without formal training requirements, outside the health care sector, where a high prevalence of COVID-19 has been observed. We will use a combination of register data, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and surveys.

By using nationwide register data, we will analyse relationships between occupation, living conditions (e.g. financial difficulties for sick-leave, overcrowding or living with others in risk professions) and risks of COVID-19 over time and geographical areas.

Several targeted occupations consist of sociodemographic groups that tend to refrain from participation in public health studies and very little is known about their work situation.

In order to establish risk profiles in these groups we will recruit participants through previously established networks via Angereds Närsjukhus, trade unions and cultural organizations. Data will be collected with semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

Through qualitative methods and surveys, we will also measure health literacy, a concept that reflects individuals’ and organizations’ understanding of relevant information and rights, competence to disseminate adjusted information and how to encourage health-promoting behavior.

With various measurements of work conditions and health literacy, and our collaborations with trade unions and employers, we will document potential sources of infection and overarching interventions and with register data, relate this to the prevalence of COVID-19.