Abstract
BackgroundThe efficacy of lockdown in containing the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported in different studies. However, the impact on sociodemographic characteristics of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to describe the changes in sociodemographic characteristics of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and to compare the transmission risk factors of COVID-19 before and during lockdown in France.MethodsAn observational retrospective study was conducted in a University Hospital in Paris, France. Data from patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the Infectious Diseases Department between February 26 and May 11, 2020 were collected. The study population was divided into 2 groups: group A of patients infected before lockdown, and group B of patients infected during lockdown, considering a maximum incubation period of 14 days. Sociodemographic characteristics and transmission risk factors were compared between the 2 groups using Student’s t-test for continuous variables and Chi-2 test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables.ResultsThree hundred eighty-three patients were included in the study, 305 (79.6%) in group A and 78 (20.4%) in group B. Patients in group A were significantly younger (60.0 versus (vs) 66.5 years (p = 0.03)). The professionally active population was larger in group A (44.3% vs 24.4%). There were significantly more non-French-speaking people in group B (16.7% vs 6.6%, p < 0.01). Most patients from group A had individual accommodation (92.8% vs 74.4%, p < 0.01). Contact with a relative was the main transmission risk factor in both groups (24.6% vs 33.3%, p = 0.16). Recent travel and large gathering were found only in group A. The proportion of people living in disadvantaged conditions, such as homeless people or people living in social housing, was significantly higher in group B (11.5% vs 4.3%, p = 0.03) as was the proportion of institutionalized individuals (14.1% vs 3.0%, p < 0.01).ConclusionsIn this study conducted in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Paris, France, the likelihood of being infected despite the lockdown was higher for people who do not speak French, live in social housing, are homeless or institutionalized. Targeted measures have to be implemented to protect these populations.
Highlights
The efficacy of lockdown in containing the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported in different studies
The study population was divided into 2 groups: group A of patients infected before lockdown, and group B of patients considered to be infected during lockdown
Sociodemographic characteristics Three hundred and eighty-three patients were included in the study, 305 (79.6%) in group A and 78 (20.4%) in group B
Summary
The efficacy of lockdown in containing the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported in different studies. The aim of this study was to describe the changes in sociodemographic characteristics of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and to compare the transmission risk factors of COVID-19 before and during lockdown in France. In a matter of weeks, the COVID19 pandemic devastated communities worldwide, requiring a multinational governmental, healthcare system and public health response [1]. As in many countries facing the pandemic, restrictive measures were progressively implemented in France from February 2020, such as a ban on public gatherings in enclosed spaces, closure of nurseries, schools and universities, physical distancing, and the use of face masks. Due to the continuously increasing incidence despite all the above measures and in order to help the healthcare system cope with the ever higher number of patients, the French Government declared, on March 17, a general population lockdown, as well as travel restrictions in the European Union and border closure of the Schengen area. The entire French population was in strict lockdown until May 11
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