ABSTRACT
With newly rising coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, important data gaps remain on (i) long-term dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rates in fixed cohorts (ii) identification of risk factors, and (iii) establishment of effective surveillance strategies. By polymerase chain reaction and antibody testing of 1% of the local population and >90,000 app-based datasets, the present study surveilled a catchment area of 300,000 inhabitants from March 2020 to February 2021. Cohort (56% female; mean age, 45.6 years) retention was 75 to 98%. Increased risk for seropositivity was detected in several high-exposure groups, especially nurses. Unreported infections dropped from 92 to 29% during the study. "Contact to COVID-19-affected" was the strongest risk factor, whereas public transportation, having children in school, or tourism did not affect infection rates. With the first SARS-CoV-2 cohort study, we provide a transferable model for effective surveillance, enabling monitoring of reinfection rates and increased preparedness for future pandemics.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: International studies indicate that pandemics and quarantine can lead to significantly increased stress levels and mental illness in those affected. Stress levels and quality of life in selected population groups in the early phase of the lockdown of the corona pandemic were examined. Associations of coping strategies with perceived stress levels and associations of activities to increase well-being with health-related quality of life as an aspect of well-being are presented. METHODS: Data from the first survey wave of the CoPa study were evaluated, which were collected via online survey. Group differences regarding stress and quality of life were explorative tested by means of Chi-square tests and T-tests. Associations of coping strategies with stress and of activities to increase well-being with health-related quality of life were calculated using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 5315 participants, persons at risk of mental health and those who did not go out in public showed signs of depression, anxiety disorders and stress significantly more often than other participants. Persons with children under 12 years of age showed significantly higher stress levels than others and their health-related quality of life was comparable. Perceived social support and self-efficacy proved to be resources for stress. Humor, physical activity, healthy eating, maintaining daily routines and pursuing specific goals were positively associated with health-related quality of life. DISCUSSION: Persons with mental health risks need therapeutic services in times of reduced contact. Selected measures to increase well-being appear to be effective and should be recommended.