ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among prison system workers in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, between August-September 2020. METHODS: This was a stratified sample survey, using interviews and serological tests for SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Among the 986 interviewers, the serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 11.9% (95%CI 8.1%;15.7%) in health professionals, and 22.1% (95%CI 18.8%;25.3%) in prison officers. Positivity was more frequent among health professionals in the north of the state (19.7%) and in male prison officers (24.0%). Among seropositive individuals, fatigue was the most frequent symptom in prison agents (13.4%) and myalgia in health professionals (10.8%); and the most prevalent comorbidities among the seropositive individuals were asthma or bronchitis (16.2%), in health professionals, and hypertension in prison officers (12.8%). CONCLUSION: The serological prevalence of SARS-Cov-2 infection was higher in prison officers, a finding that can support disease control and prevention actions in this scenario.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Brazil/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Prisons , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To present a prevalence study held in prisons and estimate the percentage of persons deprived of liberty, health professionals, and prison officers infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Espírito Santo (ES). METHODS: This is a prevalence study with a sample from 34 ES prisons, stratified between August 31 and September 4, 2020, following the Population-based age-stratified seroepidemiological investigation protocol for COVID-19 virus infection. The participants were interviewed and underwent rapid tests to detect immunoglobulin G and M in the groups mentioned. RESULTS: Among 1,830 individuals (311 health professionals, 675 prison officers, and 844 persons deprived of liberty - PDL), the prevalence of COVID-19 infection was 11.89% for health professionals, 22.07% for prison officers, and 31.64% for PDL. Most interviewees were male, aged 21 to 40 years, had completed elementary school and higher education, were multiracial, and situated in the Metropolitan area of Vitória. CONCLUSION: The prevalence was higher among persons deprived of liberty in the closed regime in all regions, as well as prison officers working in the semi-open regime, particularly in the North region. As for the comparison between regimes and regions, differences were identified between PDL groups with positive test results. Effectively combating COVID-19 within the prison system requires prison release actions, testing, and mass vaccination, as well as other health actions.
OBJETIVO: Apresentar um estudo de prevalência em presídios e estimar o percentual de pessoas privadas de liberdade, profissionais de saúde e agentes penitenciários infectados com o SARS-CoV-2 no Espírito Santo (ES). MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo de prevalência com amostragem realizada em 34 unidades prisionais no ES, estratificadas entre os dias 31 de agosto e 4 de setembro de 2020, com base no Population-based age-stratified seroepidemiological investigation protocol for COVID-19 virus infection. Realizaram-se entrevistas e testes rápidos para detecção de imunoglobina G e M nos grupos citados. RESULTADOS: Entre os 1.830 indivíduos (311 profissionais de saúde, 675 agentes penitenciários e 844 pessoas privadas de liberdade - PPL), as prevalências de infecção por COVID-19 foram 11,89% para os profissionais de saúde, 22,07% para os agentes penitenciários e 31,64% para as PPL. A maioria era do sexo masculino, com idade entre 21 a 40 anos, ensino fundamental e superior e cor parda, e os entrevistados concentravam-se na Região Metropolitana de Vitória. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que a prevalência foi maior entre as pessoas privadas de liberdade em todas as regiões no regime fechado e para os agentes penitenciários no regime semiaberto, com destaque para a Região Norte. Quanto à comparação entre os regimes e região, observaram-se distinções entre os grupos das PPL com testes positivos. Para que se alcance a eficácia no combate à COVID-19 no sistema prisional, são necessárias ações de desencarceramento, testes e vacinação em massa, como também outras ações de saúde.