Soroprevalência e fatores associados a positividade para Covid-19 entre estudantes de medicina

Abstract

We evaluated the seroprevalence and levels of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies among medical students and the possible associated factors. A survey was conducted using the data collected in November 2020 and February 2022 in Fortaleza, Northeast Brazil. A questionnaire was administered, and blood and nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected. The total antibodies were detected using a SARSCoV-2 antibody test (Wodfo). The Abbott test was used for the assessment of humoral response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, and for the qualitative detection of viral RNA in swab samples. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed using the GraphPad Prism software. The seroprevalence rate in 2020 was 6.22% (40/643), and no difference was observed between the semesters (p=0.520). The seroconversion rate was 51.1%. The seropositivity rates were 48.9% for N antibodies and 100% for S antibodies. The antibody response to N protein was higher in 2022 (p<0.001) but was not strongly positive (p=0.223). Loss of smell was the most prevalent positive symptom (p=0.032). The adherence rate to protection measures was >75%. Most students reported a decrease in family income (63.7%), an increase in anxiety (82.6%), and a negative impact in their mental health (85.7%) regardless of the seroconversion status. The worst indicators of mental health quality were observed in students who attended classes up to the eighth semester (p<0.001). Students showed lower immune response than the general population, with excellent adherence to the preventive and control measures. The pandemic caused an increase in anxiety levels, caused a decrease in family income, and had a negative impact on mental health. Medical schools did not played an important role in transmission of SARS-CoV-2. A cautious interpretation did not tend to support the closure of medical schools to combat the pandemic in a low-prevalence scenario.