Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated risk factors among asylum seekers living in centres

Abstract Background Understanding the factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in asylum seekers and refugees living centres is crucial to determine targeted public health policies protecting these populations. We explored pandemic's spread into during first wave of pandemic (May-June 2020) Switzerland associated with presence antibodies. Methods This research part SérocoVID, a seroepidemiologic study infection conducted Canton Vaud, Switzerland. All migrants two were invited participate. Anti-Spike IgG IgA antibodies measured all participants. Each participant completed questionnaire measuring socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, literacy, recommendations, behaviours exposures. The association independent variables serologic test result estimated using multivariable logistic regression model. Results mean (SD) age 124 participants (23% women) was 33.7 (11.6) years (Centre 1, n = 82; Centre 2, 42). participation rate 37%. seroprevalence Centres 1 2 13% [95% CI 3-14%] 50 [34-65%], respectively. Next, 41% positive people never developed symptoms, no one had severe Covid-19 disease. After adjusting for individual characteristics centre, seropositivity higher among low literacy (aOR 6.2, p 0.010 [1.6, 24.8]) non-smokers 5.4, 0.013 [1.4- 20.3]). No other significant associations found. Conclusions Findings suggest that developing measures, especially people, would be necessary limit risk outbreaks improve this population's safety. Further investigations are required understand better negative between tobacco consumption infection. Key messages Asylum require specific measures guarantee their safety virus spread. seem particularly vulnerable pandemic.