Seroprevalence of sars-cov-2 infection and adherence to preventive measures in cuenca, ecuador, october 2020, a cross-sectional study
Loading...
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
A door-to-door survey was organised in Cuenca, Ecuador, to determine the prevalence ofCOVID-19 infection and adherence of the population to COVID-19 preventive measures. A total of2457 persons participated in the study; 584 (23.7%) reported having experienced at least one flu-likesymptom since the onset of the pandemic. The maximum SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Cuenca was13.2% (CI: 12–14.6%) (IgM or IgG positive). Considering PCR confirmed infections, the prevalencewas 11% (CI: 10–12.4%). There was no significant difference in seroprevalence between rural andurban areas. Participants aged 35–49 years old, living with a COVID-19 positive person, at leastsix people in a household, physical contact with someone outside the household, a contact with aperson outside the home with flu-like symptoms, using public transport, and not having enoughresources for living, significantly increased the odds for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Overall, therewas good adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Having known someone who tested positivefor COVID-19, having a primary or secondary level of education, and having enough resources forliving, significantly increased the odds for higher adherence. In conclusion, despite good overalladherence of the population of Cuenca with COVID-19 preventive measures, our study suggests highongoing COVID-19 transmission in Cuenca, particularly in certain parishes. Prevention should notonly focus on behavioural change, but on intensified testing strategies in demographical risk groups
Resumen
Keywords
Adherence, Preventive measures, Prevalence, PCR test, IgM antibodies, Ecuador, COVID-19, IgG antibodies