Environmental factors and COVID-19 in Benin: a case-control comparison

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Some studies suggest an influence of environmental factors on the spread of COVID-19. The objective of the present study was to investigate this influence on the occurrence of COVID-19 in Benin. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional case-control study including 312 individuals (104 cases and 208 controls) recruited on COVID-19 screening sites in several regions of Benin. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics, housing and working conditions of the cases and controls in the study. Simple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the occurrence of COVID-19. RESULTS:Houses with a common courtyard were the most frequent type of housing for 54.81% of cases and 60.10% of controls. There was no hand washing station installed at the houses entrance for 52.88% of cases and 45.67% of controls. Access to drinking water from the Benin national water company was available in 60.58% of cases and 59.13% of controls. The workplace was a closed space for 43.62% of cases and 40.82% of controls. For 74.07% of cases and 68% of controls, their closest colleague was located less than one meter away. These spaces were permanently air-conditioned for 20.19% of cases and 8.17% of controls. Simple logistic regression showed that the absence of a hand-washing station at home (OR=1.72; [1.03-2.85]) or the existence of a station providing only drinking water without soap (OR=4.62; [1.84-11.61]) and permanent air conditioning of the workplace (OR=3.38; [1.63-6.97]) have an influence on the occurrence of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS:The consideration of environmental factors in the response to COVID-19 in Benin is essential. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, environmental factors, case-control, Benin