Seroprevalence of sars-cov-2 infection and adherence to preventive measures in cuenca, ecuador, october 2020, a cross-sectional study

Abstract

A door-to-door survey was organised in Cuenca, Ecuador, to determine the prevalence ofCOVID-19 infection and adherence of the population to COVID-19 preventive measures. A total of2457 persons participated in the study; 584 (23.7%) reported having experienced at least one flu-likesymptom since the onset of the pandemic. The maximum SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Cuenca was13.2% (CI: 12–14.6%) (IgM or IgG positive). Considering PCR confirmed infections, the prevalencewas 11% (CI: 10–12.4%). There was no significant difference in seroprevalence between rural andurban areas. Participants aged 35–49 years old, living with a COVID-19 positive person, at leastsix people in a household, physical contact with someone outside the household, a contact with aperson outside the home with flu-like symptoms, using public transport, and not having enoughresources for living, significantly increased the odds for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Overall, therewas good adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Having known someone who tested positivefor COVID-19, having a primary or secondary level of education, and having enough resources forliving, significantly increased the odds for higher adherence. In conclusion, despite good overalladherence of the population of Cuenca with COVID-19 preventive measures, our study suggests highongoing COVID-19 transmission in Cuenca, particularly in certain parishes. Prevention should notonly focus on behavioural change, but on intensified testing strategies in demographical risk groups