SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence: Demographic and Behavioral Factors Associated With Seropositivity Among College Students in a University Setting
Date
2022-06-23
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Abstract
Purpose: Examine SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and the association of seropositivity with demographic, geographic, and behavioral variables among University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
(UNC-CH) undergraduate students enrolled in the fall 2020 semester.
Methods: All UNC-CH undergraduate students were invited to participate in the Heelcheck study;
participants were weighted to the UNC-CH undergraduate population using raking methods. We
estimate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence at study entrance (11/12/2020e12/10/2020) and bivariable
associations using log-binomial regression.
Results: SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 7.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.4%e9.2%) at baseline. Compared to students who were living off-campus in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area (CH) for
the Fall 2020 semester (8.6% seroprevalence), students who never returned to CH had lower
seroprevalence (1.9%, prevalence ratio (PR), 95% CI: 0.22, 0.06e0.81), whereas, students who
started the semester on-campus and moved to off-campus CH housing had 18.9% seroprevalence
(PR, 95% CI: 2.21, 1.04e4.72) and students who spent the semester living in a Sorority/Fraternity
house had 46.8% seroprevalence (PR, 95% CI: 5.47, 2.62e11.46). Those who predicted they would
join an indoor party unmasked had 3.8 times the seroprevalence of those who indicated they
would not attend (PR, 95% CI: 3.80, 1.58e9.16). Compared to students who disagreed with the
statement “.I am not going to let COVID-19 stop me from having fun.”, those who agreed had
higher seroprevalence (14.0% vs. 5.7%; (PR, 95% CI: 2.45, 1.13e5.32)).
Discussion: Increased seroprevalence was associated with congregate living and participation
(actual or endorsed) in social activities. During pandemics, universities must create safe socializing
opportunities while minimizing transmission.