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Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in University Students: A Case-Control Study

Author

Listed:
  • Giuseppe Migliara

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Erika Renzi

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Valentina Baccolini

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Ambrogio Cerri

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Pierluigi Donia

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Azzurra Massimi

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Carolina Marzuillo

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Corrado De Vito

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Leandro Casini

    (Special Office for Prevention, Protection and High Vigilance, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Antonella Polimeni

    (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Eugenio Gaudio

    (Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Paolo Villari

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • The Collaborating Group

    (Collaborators are indicated in the Acknowledgment section.)

Abstract

Closure of Higher Education Institutions in the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was largely diffused. With their reopening, numerous preventive measures have been enacted, but limited evidence exists on students’ behavior that could influence their infection risk. We conducted a case-control study at the Sapienza University of Rome to identify protective and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Students attending the campus within 48 h of SARS-CoV-2 infection were considered cases. Controls were students who come in contact with a confirmed case within the campus. Demographic features and activities carried out before positivity or contact were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, estimating adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The analysis showed an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for attending the second year or above of university (aOR 17.7, 95% CI 2.21–142.82) and participating in private parties or ceremonies (aOR 15.9, 95% CI 2.30–109.67) while living outside the family (aOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.54) and attending practical activities or libraries on campus (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.08–0.97) reduced the risk. Data strongly suggests that it may be safe to participate in activities organized under strict infection prevention guidelines. Tailored prevention measures might reduce the risk of infection in university students.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppe Migliara & Erika Renzi & Valentina Baccolini & Ambrogio Cerri & Pierluigi Donia & Azzurra Massimi & Carolina Marzuillo & Corrado De Vito & Leandro Casini & Antonella Polimeni & Eugenio Gaudio, 2022. "Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in University Students: A Case-Control Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14376-:d:961862
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jose Tuells & Cecilia M. Egoavil & María Angeles Pena Pardo & Ana C. Montagud & Emilia Montagud & Pablo Caballero & Pedro Zapater & Joan Puig-Barberá & Jose Antonio Hurtado-Sanchez, 2021. "Seroprevalence Study and Cross-Sectional Survey on COVID-19 for a Plan to Reopen the University of Alicante (Spain)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Charles Lindsey & Simon Sheather, 2015. "Best subsets variable selection in nonnormal regression models," Stata Journal, StataCorp LP, vol. 15(4), pages 1046-1059, December.
    3. Mario Jojoa & Esther Lazaro & Begonya Garcia-Zapirain & Marino J. Gonzalez & Elena Urizar, 2021. "The Impact of COVID 19 on University Staff and Students from Iberoamerica: Online Learning and Teaching Experience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-20, May.
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