Seroconversion rate and socio-economic and ethnic risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in children in a population-based cohort,Germany, June 2020 to February 2021 |
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Authors: | Folke Brinkmann,Hans H Diebner,Chantal Matenar,Anne Schlegtendal,Lynn Eitner,Nina Timmesfeld,Christoph Maier,Thomas Lü cke |
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Affiliation: | 1.University Children''s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; 2.Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany |
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Abstract: | IntroductionSocio-economic and ethnic background have been discussed as possible risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infections in children. Improved knowledge could lead to tailored prevention strategies and help improve infection control.AimWe aimed to identify risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infections in children in the first and second wave of the pandemic.MethodsWe performed an observational population-based cohort study in children (6 months–18 years) scheduled for legally required preventive examination and their parents in a metropolitan region in Germany. Primary endpoint was the SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion rate during the study period. Risk factors assessed included age, pre-existing medical conditions, socio-economic factors and ethnicity.ResultsWe included 2,124 children and their parents. Seroconversion rates among children in all age groups increased 3–4-fold from June 2020 to February 2021. Only 24 of 58 (41%) seropositive children reported symptoms. In 51% of infected children, at least one parent was also SARS-CoV-2-positive. Low level of parental education (OR = 3.13; 95% CI: 0.72–13.69) non-significantly increased the risk of infection. Of the total cohort, 38.5% had a migration background, 9% of Turkish and 5% of Middle Eastern origin, and had the highest risk for SARS-CoV-2 infections (OR = 6.24; 95% CI: 1.38–28.12 and OR = 6.44 (95% CI: 1.14–36.45) after adjustment for other risk factors.ConclusionIn the second half of 2020, seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 in children increased especially in families with lower-socioeconomic status. Culture-sensitive approaches are essential to limit transmission and could serve as a blueprint for vaccination strategies. |
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Keywords: | SARS- CoV-2 seroconversion children migration socioeconomic |
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