loading page

Prevalence and factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, sexually transmitted, and blood-borne infections in British Columbia Corrections
  • +12
  • Amrit Tiwana,
  • Brynn McMillan,
  • Tamara Pidduck,
  • Aidan M. Nikiforuk,
  • Mo Korchinski,
  • Pam Young,
  • Marnie Scow,
  • Merv Thomas,
  • Jane A. Buxton,
  • Mel Krajden,
  • Inna Sekirov,
  • Agatha N. Jassem,
  • Muhammad Morshed,
  • Nooshin Nikoo,
  • Sofia Bartlett R
Amrit Tiwana
BC Centre for Disease Control
Author Profile
Brynn McMillan
The University of British Columbia Department of Medicine
Author Profile
Tamara Pidduck
BC Centre for Disease Control
Author Profile
Aidan M. Nikiforuk
BC Centre for Disease Control
Author Profile
Mo Korchinski
The University of British Columbia
Author Profile
Pam Young
The University of British Columbia
Author Profile
Marnie Scow
BC Centre for Disease Control
Author Profile
Merv Thomas
The University of British Columbia Library
Author Profile
Jane A. Buxton
The University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health
Author Profile
Mel Krajden
The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine
Author Profile
Inna Sekirov
BC Centre for Disease Control
Author Profile
Agatha N. Jassem
BC Centre for Disease Control
Author Profile
Muhammad Morshed
BC Centre for Disease Control
Author Profile
Nooshin Nikoo
The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine
Author Profile
Sofia Bartlett R
BC Centre for Disease Control

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile

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.
05 Feb 2025Submitted to Journal of Medical Virology
10 Feb 2025Submission Checks Completed
10 Feb 2025Assigned to Editor
10 Feb 2025Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Feb 2025Reviewer(s) Assigned