Community socioeconomic deprivation and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk: findings from Portugal. (11th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Magalhães, João Paulo M; Ribeiro, Ana Isabel; Caetano, Constantino P; Sá Machado, Rita
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 32:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2021-11-11
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab192
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Socioeconomic differences have been observed in the risk of acquiring infectious diseases, but evidence regarding SARS-CoV-2 remains sparse. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and socioeconomic deprivation, exploring whether this association varied according to different phases of the national pandemic response. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data routinely collected for patients with a laboratorial result recorded in SINAVE ®, between 2 March and 14 June 2020, were analysed. Socioeconomic deprivation was assessed using quintiles of the European Deprivation Index (Q1-least deprived to Q5-most deprived). Response phases were defined as before, during and after the national State of Emergency. Associations were estimated using multilevel analyses. Results: The study included 223 333 individuals (14.7% were SARS-CoV-2 positive cases). SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence ratio increased with deprivation [PR(Q1)=Ref; PR(Q2)=1.37 (95% CI 1.19–1.58), PR(Q3)=1.48 (95% CI 1.26–1.73), PR(Q4)=1.73 (95% CI 1.47–2.04), PR(Q5)=2.24 (95% CI 1.83–2.75)]. This was observed during the State of Emergency [PR(Q5)=2.09 (95% CI 1.67–2.62)] and more pronounced after the State of Emergency [PR(Q5)= 3.43 (95% CI 2.66–4.44)]. Conclusion: The effect of socioeconomic deprivation in the SARS-CoV-2 infection risk emerged after the implementation of the first State of Emergency in Portugal, and became more pronounced as social distancing policies eased. Decision-makers should consider these results when deliberating future mitigation measures.