SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and associated factors in prison inmates in Espírito Santo State, Brazil

Abstract

The study aimed to estimate the proportion of prison inmates in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, with SARS-CoV-2 infection and to present factors associated with positive test result. This was a serological survey conducted from August 31 to September 4, 2020, in the state's 34 prison units. An interview and serological tests were performed for detection of IgG and IgM in the group. A total of 844 prison inmates were assessed, 265 of whom tested positive for COVID-19, indicating 31.64% prevalence (95%CI: 28.44-34.83). Statistically significant associations were seen between positive test and location of the prison in the north of the state (p = 0.001), closed imprisonment (p = 0.002), and male gender (p = 0.005). All symptoms were observed less frequently in the group that tested positive, and there was a low prevalence of comorbidities (0 to 7.1%). The results revealed the characteristics of this vulnerable population and can help target health measures.