Seroprevalence of COVID-19 Antibody among Children Aged 5–17 Years in an Urban and Rural Area of Ernakulam District, Kerala

ABSTRACT

Background: The age group of 5–17 years belongs to the vulnerable segment of the population for COVID?19 infection in India. Seroprevalence in this population can therefore allow inferences to be made about the extent of infection. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and to determine the factors associated with COVID?19 antibody among children aged 5–17 years in an urban and rural area of Kochi, Kerala. Methods: A community?based cross?sectional study was undertaken in the urban and rural field practice areas of the community medicine department in a medical college, Kochi. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information about sociodemographic data, history related to COVID?19, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibody test result. Blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of COVID?19 antibodies using the Wantai test kit after attaining informed assent from the parent/guardian. Results: The seroprevalence of the COVID?19 antibody was 48.3% among participants. The seroprevalence of COVID?19 antibody was higher among children of mothers with skilled/unskilled occupation, residents of rural area, above poverty line category, those with a history of COVID?19, and those who had a history of contact with COVID?19?positive patients. Conclusion: Half of the study population were COVID antibody positive, and the rest were at risk of infection. Therefore, adherence to COVID?19 guidelines is essential to control further spread of infection among children.