ABSTRACT
We aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors associated with asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in a district setting in Malaysia. We included all confirmed COVID-19 cases within the district from inception to March 2021. Out of 3,051 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1,862 (61.0%) were asymptomatic. Asymptomatic cases were mostly men, younger, non-Malaysians and had fewer comorbidities. The highest prevalence of asymptomatic cases was from prisons and factories. Male gender (adjusted OR 2.02;95%CI 1.69 – 2.43), non-Malaysians (adjusted OR 20.00;95%CI 14.75 – 27.64), current smoking status (adjusted OR 12.06;95%CI 6.74 – 23.94), prisoners (adjusted OR 19.02;95%CI 12.30 – 30.57), and higher CT values were significantly associated with asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. To ensure more targeted public health prevention and infection containment strategies, authorities and employers should be more aware of their local population's heterogeneity, risk factors, and unique conditions. © 2022. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine. All Rights Reserved.