COVID-19 seroprevalence in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study.
BMJ Open
; 12(4): e055381, 2022 04 06.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1779374
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
This study adapted WHO's 'Unity Study' protocol to estimate the population prevalence of antibodies to SARS CoV-2 and risk factors for developing SARS-CoV-2 infection.DESIGN:
This population-based, age-stratified cross-sectional study was conducted at the level of households (HH).PARTICIPANTS:
All ages and genders were eligible for the study (exclusion criteria contraindications to venipuncture- however, no such case was encountered). 4998 HH out of 6599 consented (1 individual per HH). The proportion of male and female study participants was similar. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMEMEASURES:
Following were the measured outcome measures- these were different from the planned indicators (i.e. two out of the three planned indicators were measured) due to operational reasons and time constraints -Primary indicators Seroprevalence (population and age specific).Secondary indicators Population groups most at risk for SARS-CoV-2-infection.RESULTS:
Overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 7.1%. 6.3% of individuals were IgG positive while IgM positivity was 1.9%. Seroprevalence in districts ranged from 0% (Ghotki) to 17% (Gilgit). The seroprevalence among different age groups ranged from 3.9% (0-9 years) to 10.1% (40-59 years). There were no significant differences in the overall seroprevalence for males and females. A history of contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, urban residence and mask use were key risk factors for developing SARS-CoV-2 infection.CONCLUSIONS:
This survey provides useful estimates for seroprevalence in the general population and information on risk factors for developing SARS-CoV-2 infection in the country. It is premised that similar studies need to be replicated at the population level on a regular basis to monitor the disease and immunity patterns related to COVID-19.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
BMJ Open
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Bmjopen-2021-055381
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