Prevalence and factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2, sexually transmitted, and blood-borne infections in
British Columbia Corrections
Abstract
People who are incarcerated (PWAI) and correctional staff face a higher
risk of communicable diseases. This study assessed the seroprevalence of
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and
sexually transmitted bloodborne infections (STBBIs) in British Columbia
(BC) Provincial Correctional Centres (PCCs). A multicentre
cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted from January 4 to February 14,
2021, among PWAI and staff. Antibody and molecular screening assessed
pathogen prevalence, with Pearson’s chi-squared tests for group
comparisons. Mixed-effects logistic regression explored clinical and
sociodemographic factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 or STBBIs. Among
PWAI (n=299), seroprevalence was 5.5% for SARS-CoV-2, 14.6% for
hepatitis C virus, and 1.3% for syphilis. Among staff (n=505),
seroprevalence was 2.9% for SARS-CoV-2, 1.7% for hepatitis B virus,
and 0.6% for syphilis. Among PWAI, lower education (adjusted odds ratio
[aOR]=2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-5.56), unstable
employment (aOR=2.86, 95% CI: 1.16-6.67), and opioid use (aOR=3.56,
95% CI: 1.15-12.65) were associated with STBBI acquisition. Among
staff, working in a PCC with a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was associated with
infection acquisition (aOR=7.97, 95% CI: 2.28-27.97). The ongoing
presence of SARS-CoV-2 and STBBIs in correctional facilities highlights
the need for balanced public health interventions addressing both
transmissions, ensuring timely prevention, testing, and treatment for
all individuals.