The Incidence of COVID-19 Among Primary Middle School Students and Co-residents in Nan'an District, Chongqing, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

<i>Objective:</i> To understand the infection situation of COVID-19 among primary and middle school students and co-residents in Nan'an District of Chongqing during the new stage of "a Class B infectious disease under Category B management", and to provide scientific basis for the subsequent timely analysis of the epidemic situation and prediction of the demand for medical treatment resources. <i>Methods:</i> From December 20 to 21, 2022, 19225 students from 86 primary and secondary schools in Nan'an District were selected by stratified random cluster sampling method to conduct an electronic questionnaire survey. <i>Results:</i> A total of 17744 valid questionnaires were received, the response rate was 92.30%, the average age was 11 years old. The infection rate of novel coronavirus was 64.09%, among which the infection rate of middle school study group was higher than that of primary school study group, accounting for 65.39%. The infection rate of male students was slightly higher than that of female students (63.02%) The infection rate of Nanping residential area was higher than that of other residential areas, accounting for 66.25%. The symptoms, infection, medical treatment and hospitalization of co-residents were statistically significant. <i>Conclusion:</i> The infection rate of COVID-19 among primary and secondary schools and co-residents in Nan'an District is higher than that of Chongqing in the same period, but the subjects have high health awareness and take the initiative to seek medical treatment or be hospitalized. In the future, it is necessary to focus on people in junior high schools, male, old urban areas, etc. Publicity and education on family COVID-19 prevention measures shall be well conducted to ensure medical treatment resources in the region and provide timely and satisfactory medical and health services for residents.