Modeling SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and its determinants in Ghana: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey

Estimates of SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates have significant public health policy implications since they shed light on the severity of illness in various groups and aid in strategic deployment of diagnostics, treatment and vaccination. Population-based investigations have not been conducted in Ghana...

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Published in:	PLOS global public health Vol. 3; no. 5; p. e0001851
Main Authors:	Owusu Donkor, Irene, Mensah, Sedzro Kojo, Dwomoh, Duah, Akorli, Jewelna, Abuaku, Benjamin, Ashong, Yvonne, Opoku, Millicent, Andoh, Nana Efua, Sumboh, Jeffrey Gabriel, Ohene, Sally-Ann, Owusu-Asare, Ama Akyampomaa, Quartey, Joseph, Dumashie, Edward, Lomotey, Elvis Suatey, Odumang, Daniel Adjei, Gyamfi, Grace Opoku, Dorcoo, Christopher, Afatodzie, Millicent Selassie, Osabutey, Dickson, Ismail, Rahmat Bint Yussif, Quaye, Isaac, Bosomprah, Samuel, Munster, Vincent, Koram, Kwadwo Ansah
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States Public Library of Science 2023 Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Subjects:	Biology and life sciences Earth Sciences Medicine and health sciences People and Places Research and Analysis Methods
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Estimates of SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates have significant public health policy implications since they shed light on the severity of illness in various groups and aid in strategic deployment of diagnostics, treatment and vaccination. Population-based investigations have not been conducted in Ghana to identify the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2. We conducted an age stratified nationally representative household study to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and identify risk factors between February and December 2021. Study participants, 5 years and older regardless of prior or current infection COVID-19 infection from across Ghana were included in the study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, contact with an individual with COVID-19-related symptoms, history of COVID-19-related illness, and adherence to infection prevention measures were collected. Serum obtained was tested for total antibodies with the WANTAI ELISA kit. The presence of antibodies against SAR-COV-2 was detected in 3,476 of 5,348 participants, indicating a seroprevalence of 67.10% (95% CI: 63.71-66.26). Males had lower seroprevalence (65.8% [95% CI: 63.5-68.04]) than females (68.4% [95% CI: 66.10-69.92]). Seroprevalence was lowest in >20 years (64.8% [95% CI: 62.36-67.19]) and highest among young adults; 20-39 years (71.1% [95% CI 68.83,73.39]). Seropositivity was associated with education, employment status and geographic location. Vaccination status in the study population was 10%. Exposure is more likely in urban than rural areas thus infection prevention protocols must be encouraged and maintained. Also, promoting vaccination in target groups and in rural areas is necessary to curb transmission of the virus.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
ISSN:	2767-3375 2767-3375
DOI:	10.1371/journal.pgph.0001851