SARS-CoV-2 Infections in a Triad of Primary School Learners (Grades 1-7), Their Parents, and Teachers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional and Nested Case-Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.2196/52713
• Publication Date: 2024-09-16T11:40:02Z
• Authors: Reshmi Dassaye; Terusha Chetty; Brodie Daniels; Zakir Gaffoor; Elizabeth Spooner; Trisha Ramraj; Ncengani Mthethwa; Duduzile Faith Ns...; Saresha Pillay; Arvin Bhana; Vuyolwethu Magasana; Tarylee Reddy; Khanya Mohlabi; Penelope Linda Moore; Wendy A Burgers; Tulio de Oliveira; Nokukhanya Msomi; Ameena Goga
• Keywords: Triad (sociology); Cross-sectional study

Background In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as South Africa, there is paucity of data on SARS-CoV-2 infections among children attending school, including seroprevalence transmission dynamics. Objective This pilot study aims to assess (1) the prevalence self-reported or confirmed prior infections, COVID-19 symptoms (including long COVID), antibodies, general/mental health, (2) longitudinal changes in seroprevalence, (3) acute immune responses, dynamics, symptomatic versus asymptomatic contacts a unique cohort unvaccinated primary school learners, their parents, teachers, close semirural settings. Methods Learners (grades 1-7) from schools KwaZulu-Natal, teachers will be invited enroll into COVID kids (CoKiDSS). CoKiDSS comprises 3 parts: cross-sectional survey (N=640), follow-up (n=300), nested case-cohort substudy. Finger-prick blood saliva samples collected for serological future testing, respectively, (451 learners:147 parents:42 teachers) (210 learners:70 parents:20 surveys. The substudy include cases with current infection (n=30) (n=up 10 per infected participant). (from all participants), venous cases), nasal swabs contacts) immunological viral genome sequencing, respectively. Questionnaires covering sociodemographic general mental health information, testing vaccination status, preventative behavior, lifestyle administered. Statistical methods generalized linear mixed models, intracluster correlation, descriptive analysis, graphical techniques. Results A total 645 participants were enrolled between May August 2023. subset 300 followed up October Screening planned November 2023 September 2024. Data cleanup analysis complete, while those case completed by third quarter dissemination publication results anticipated fourth Conclusions provides an LMIC setting impact school-attending years after pandemic was declared 21-24 months resumption normal attendance. particular, this provide infection, symptoms, transmission, adaptive triad teachers. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/52713