Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection across three sentinels sites in Benin during 2021: A multicentric surveillance study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004227
• Publication Date: 2025-02-13T18:46:02Z
• Authors: Aurore Atchade; Anges Yadouleton; Marc Fiogbe; Daleb Abdoulaye Alfa; Emmanuel Yovo; Jean-Yves Le Hesran; Sandrine Hounsa; Cédric Bationo; Antía Figueroa-Ro...; Jean Gaudart; Raquel González; Emmanuel Bonnet; Achille Massougbodji; Gilles Cottrell
• Keywords: Pandemic; Public health surveillance

In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, Benin, like other regions in sub-Saharan Africa and around world, has been grappling with a public health crisis since march 2020. The country responded to this by implementing adaptive response measures. STREESCO project is part dynamic effort, strengthening epidemiological surveillance at three sentinel sites. This study thoroughly examines determinants SARS-CoV-2 infection. involved strategic support based Cotonou, Allada, Natitingou. Data collection took place from 1 november 30, individuals voluntarily undergoing screening dedicated units. Before participation, free informed consent was obtained. collected data included sociodemographic information, clinical details, results tests. A multivariate logistic regression model used identify factors associated Surveillance 4178 participants, male/female ratio 0.98 median age 33 (IQR: 25-45). Across all sites, 13.12% participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 85.40% them had infection.of were symptomatic baseline. proportion positivity 6%, 11% 28% respectively during phases 1, 2 3 national strategy. Identified risk Allada site (aOR 2.04, 95%CI 1.59-2.62), phase 3.16, 2.34-4.27), 1.67, 1.12-2.51), secondary 1.12-2.51) higher level education 1.83, 1.22-2.74), respiratory symptoms 1.88, 1.40-2.53), and/or anosmia/ageusia 1.48-2.38). Conversely, Natitingou = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.20-0.42), group living 0.75, 0.60-0.94), digestive 0.70, 0.54-0.91) reduced These underscore importance active situations, ensuring acquisition reliable persuasive enhance individual care guide policies. Trial registration NCT06170320 (retrospectively registered on December 21, 2023).