Sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Luanda, Angola.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics related to SARS-CoV-2 in Luanda, Angola. A total of 622 individuals were screened for SARS-CoV-2 from January to September 2020. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to identify the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and SARS-CoV-2. Of the 622 tested, 14.3% tested positive. The infection rate was the same for both genders (14.3%). Individuals ≥40 years old, from non-urbanized areas, and healthcare professionals had a higher frequency of infection. The risk of infection was very high in individuals ≥60 years old (AOR 23.3, 95% CI 4.83-112), in women (AOR 1.24, 95% CI 0.76-2.04), in Luanda (AOR 7.40, 95% CI 1.64-33.4), and healthcare professionals (AOR 1.27, 95% CI 0.60-2.71), whereas a low risk was observed in individuals from urbanized areas (AOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.75). Our results suggest that Angolan authorities should implement a greater effort in non-urbanized areas and among healthcare professionals since when these individuals presented any indication for a COVID-19 test, such as fever/cough/myalgia, they were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than having some other cause for symptoms.