Medwave (Apr 2022)

Seroprevalence and estimation of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in older adults residing in Long-term Care Facilities in Chile

  • Paola Rubilar,
  • Macarena Hirmas,
  • Isabel Matute,
  • Jorge Browne,
  • Cedric Little,
  • Gonzalo Ruz,
  • Ximena Aguilera,
  • Carlos Ávila,
  • Pablo Vial,
  • Tania Gutknecht Mackenzie

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5867/medwave.2022.03.002553
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 03
pp. e002553 – e002553

Abstract

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Introduction Older adults are at a higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. This vulnerability increases in those who live in long-term care facilities due to overcrowding, greater physical dependence, and contact with health workers. Evidence on the impact of the pandemic on these establishments in lowand middle-income countries has been scant. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in older people residing in long-term care facilities and estimate the impact of infection after the first wave of the pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional design with 2099 residents in three regions of Chile was carried out between September and November 2020. Measurement of antibodies was performed with a rapid test. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection was estimated with seropositive residents, those who had a history of positive polymerase chain reaction tests, and those who died from COVID-19. Bivariate analysis with the region, sex, age, history of COVID-19, physical dependence, and serological results were performed. In addition, we performed a correlation analysis between the seroprevalence of the centers by the municipality and the rate of confirmed cases. Results The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the three regions was 14.7% (95% confidence interval: 13.2 to 16.3%), the infection impact was 46.4%, and the fatality rate was 19.6%. A significant correlation was found between the seroprevalence of older adults residing in long-term care facilities and the cumulative incidence by municipalities. Conclusions The seroprevalence of older adults residing in long-term care facilities was higher than the general population. The high impact of infection among this population at the end of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is similar to other countries. The centers' environment is directly related to COVID-19 infection. Morbidity and mortality monitoring systems should be implemented promptly to establish prevention and control measures.

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