SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and associated factors, based on HIV serostatus, in young people in Sofala province, Mozambique

Introduction In Sofala province (Mozambique), young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) are estimated at 7% among people aged 15–24 years.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic threatened HIV health services, data on the impact of COVID-19 on YPLHIV people are lacking.

This study aimed at exploring the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated factors among young people based on their HIV status.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, including people aged 18–24 attending a visit at one of the adolescent-friendly health services in Sofala province between October and November 2022.

People vaccinated against SARS-COV-2 or YPLHIV with WHO stage III-IV were excluded.

A SARS-CoV-2 antibodies qualitative test and a questionnaire investigating socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were proposed.

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was calculated with Clopper-Pearson method.

The odds ratio (OR) of a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies test was estimated through multivariable binomial logistic regression.

Results In total, 540 young people including 65.8% women and 16.7% YPLHIV participated in the survey.

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The mean age was 20.2 years (SD 2.0).

Almost all the sample (96.1%) reported adopting at least one preventive measure for COVID-19.

The weighted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the whole sample was 46.8% (95%CI 42.6–51.2) and 35.9% (95%CI 25.3–47.5) in YPLHIV.

The adjusted OR of testing positive at the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies test was higher in students compared to workers (aOR:2.02[0.95CI 1.01–4.21]) and in those with symptoms (aOR:1.52[0.95CI 1.01–2.30]).

There were no differences based on HIV status(aOR:0.663[95%CI 0.406–1.069]).

Overall, COVID-19 symptoms were reported by 68 (28.2%) people with a positive serological SARS-CoV-2 test and by 7 (21.7%) YPLHIV ( p  = 0.527).

No one required hospitalization.

Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 46.8% without differences in risk of infection or clinical presentation based on HIV status.

This result may be influenced by the exclusion of YPLHIV with advanced disease.

The higher risk among students suggests the schools’ role in spreading the virus.

It’s important to continue monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on YPLHIV to better understand its effect on screening and adherence to treatment.