Dataset Information

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh 2020: a population-based cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, the fraction of asymptomatic infections, and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infections among the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs).

Design

It was a population-based two-stage cross-sectional study at the level of households.

Setting

The study was conducted in December 2020 among household members of the FDMN population living in the 34 camps of Ukhia and Teknaf Upazila of Cox's Bazar district in Bangladesh.

Participants

Among 860 697 FDMNs residing in 187 517 households, 3446 were recruited for the study. One individual aged 1 year or older was randomly selected from each targeted household.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Blood samples from respondents were tested for total antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 using Wantai ELISA kits, and later positive samples were validated by Kantaro kits.

Results

More than half (55.3%) of the respondents were females, aged 23 median (IQR 14-35) years and more than half (58.4%) had no formal education. Overall, 2090 of 3446 study participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibody. The weighted and test adjusted seroprevalence (95% CI) was 48.3% (45.3% to 51.4%), which did not differ by the sexes. Children (aged 1-17 years) had a significantly lower seroprevalence 38.6% (95% CI 33.8% to 43.4%) compared with adults (58.1%, 95% CI 55.2% to 61.1%). Almost half (45.7%, 95% CI 41.9% to 49.5%) of seropositive individuals reported no relevant symptoms since March 2020. Antibody seroprevalence was higher in those with any comorbidity (57.8%, 95% CI 50.4% to 64.5%) than those without (47.2%, 95% CI 43.9% to 50.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of all subjects identified increasing age and education as risk factors for seropositivity. In children (≤17 years), only age was significantly associated with the infection.

Conclusions

In December 2020, about half of the FDMNs had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, including those who reported no history of symptoms. Periodic serosurveys are necessary to recommend appropriate public health measures to limit transmission.

SUBMITTER: Rahman M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9679871 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh 2020: a population-based cross-sectional study.

Rahman Mahbubur M Khan Samsad Rabbani SR Alamgir A S M ASM Kennedy David S DS Hakim Ferdous F Evers Egmond Samir ES Afreen Nawroz N Alam Ahmed Nawsher AN Islam Md Sahidul MS Paul Debashish D Bhuiyan Rijwan R Islam Raisul R Moureen Adneen A Salimuzzaman M M Billah Mallick Masum MM Sharif Ahmed Raihan AR Akter Mst Khaleda MK Sultana Sharmin S Khan Manjur Hossain MH von Harbou Kai K Zaman Mohammad Mostafa MM Shirin Tahmina T Flora Meerjady Sabrina MS

BMJ open 20221121 11

<h4>Objectives</h4>The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, the fraction of asymptomatic infections, and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infections among the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs).<h4>Design</h4>It was a population-based two-stage cross-sectional study at the level of households.<h4>Setting</h4>The study was conducted in December 2020 among household members of the FDMN population living in the 34 camps of Ukhia and Teknaf Upazila of Cox's Bazar district in Bangladesh.< ...[more]

PMID: 36410810

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Project description:BackgroundSeveral refugee settlements in Bangladesh have provided housing and medical care for the forcibly-displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN, also known as Rohingya) population. The identification of malaria infection status in the refugee settlements is useful in treating infected persons and in developing malaria prevention recommendations. Assays for Plasmodium antigens and human IgG against Plasmodium parasites can be used as indicators to determine malaria infection status and exposure.MethodsDried blood spot (DBS) samples (N = 1239) from a household survey performed April-May 2018 in three settlements in Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh were utilized for a sample population of children from ages 1-14 years of age. The samples were tested using a bead-based multiplex antigen assay for presence of the pan-Plasmodium antigen aldolase as well as Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (HRP2). A bead-based multiplex assay was also used to measure human IgG antibody response to P. falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 antigen (MSP1) isoforms, and P. falciparum antigens LSA1, CSP, and GLURP-R0.ResultsThere were no detectable Plasmodium antigens in any samples, suggesting no active malaria parasite infections in the tested children. IgG seroprevalence was highest to P. vivax (3.1%), but this was not significantly different from the percentages of children antibody responses to P. falciparum (2.1%) and P. malariae (1.8%). The likelihood of an anti-Plasmodium IgG response increased with age for all three malaria species. Evidence of exposure to any malaria species was highest for children residing 8-10 months in the settlements, and was lower for children arriving before and after this period of time.ConclusionsAbsence of Plasmodium antigen in this population provides evidence that children in these three Bangladeshi refugee settlements did not have malaria at time of sampling. Higher rates of anti-malarial IgG carriage from children who were leaving Myanmar during the malaria high-transmission season indicate these migrant populations were likely at increased risk of malaria exposure during their transit.

Project description:IntroductionThe Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) residing in refugee camps face various health challenges, including a rising prevalence of scabies, exacerbated by overcrowded conditions and limited healthcare access. This study aims to assess scabies prevalence, clinical features, and environmental factors among FDMNs, aiding interventions and recommendations for better health outcomes.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2023 in six camps of Teknaf/Ukhia Cox's Bazar. Using a multistage sampling technique, 12 blocks were identified, and FDMNs seeking healthcare services from Primary Health Care posts were invited to participate in the study. Participants were adults, and children who volunteered to participate in this study. Scabies diagnosis was based on clinical examinations of exposed body areas by trained health professionals. Data on sociodemographic factors, environmental risk factors, and scabies symptoms were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire administered by trained interviewers. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression models to explore associations between scabies infection and other explanatory factors.ResultA total of 679 FDMNs participated in the study, with a mean age of 29.13 years. Overall, 66.42 % of participants were diagnosed with scabies. Age, marital status, history of scabies infection, previous skin infection, family history of scabies and skin infection, floor type, pet animal, dust exposure, and seasonal exposure were significantly associated with the scabies infection. Binary logistic regression suggested that having history of scabies infection (OR 3.98, 95 % CI: 1.86 to 8.49, p < 0.001), skin infection (OR 2.46, 95 % CI: 1.32 to 4.58, p = 0.004), having family history of scabies infection (OR 3.06, 95 % CI: 1.29 to 7.23, p = 0.011), family history of skin infection (OR 27.41, 95% CI: 14.46 to 51.97, P < 0.001), having contact with street animal (OR 2.16, 95% CI: 1.27 to 3.66, P = 0.004), and winter season (OR 3.33, 95 % CI: 1.89 to 5.87, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with scabies infection.ConclusionTailored public health measures targeting hygiene, living conditions, and animal contact can mitigate the spread of scabies, particularly among vulnerable groups like Rohingya refugees, necessitating collaboration between stakeholders.

Project description:About 900.000 Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN)/ Rohingya refugees live in makeshift camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. During the COVID-19 pandemic, protective behaviors were particularly important in this setting of previous severe infectious disease outbreaks. To identify barriers, drivers and interventions for those behaviors, a scoping review of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Global Health and grey literature was conducted in October 2021 and updated in June 2024. The modified Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) framework and Behavior Change Wheel were used to organize available evidence. A total of 4014 (3654 in 2021, 360 in 2024) records were reviewed and 51 (38 in 2021, 13 in 2024) articles included. Articles reported on protective behaviors (as a general concept), handwashing, social distancing, isolation/quarantine, mask wearing, testing, treatment and vaccination. Barriers and drivers to these behaviors spanned all four COM factors reflecting both individual and environmental influences. Most frequently cited barriers and drivers were found in the motivation (e.g. belief, fear, trust) and physical opportunity (e.g. information, the physical camp environment) factors. Gaps in the evidence were views of health service providers, and differences between camps and population groups. Most interventions focused on information, education or training (e.g. campaigns, community engagement) and environmental restructuring (e.g. increased provision of WASH facilities, COVID-19 isolation and treatment centres). Most articles reported recommendations for interventions. There was some evidence of implementation but little evaluation. This review identified complex and inter-related barriers and drivers to COVID-19 protective behaviors in Cox's Bazar, and many interventions to address these. Addressing the above-mentioned evidence gaps would assist future development of effective targeted interventions, tailored to the needs of specific population groups.

Project description:BackgroundSince August 2017, around 940 000 forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN), mostly women and children, have fled persecution in Myanmar and arrived in the refugee camps across the border in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. This large-scale humanitarian crisis created an urgency for sexual and reproductive healthcare-related services among many of the sexually assaulted FDMN women and girls. Ipas, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that has been working on expanding access to safe menstrual regulation, post-abortion care, and family planning services in Bangladesh since 2011, initiated an emergency humanitarian response programme in the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar in 2017 for the victim FDMN women and girls who were in desperate need of care. To understand the implementation process and the scope of sustainability and scale-up of Ipas's programme in the current humanitarian settings, icddr,b, a Bangladesh-based international health research institution, conducted an evaluation study.MethodsDue to the emergency crisis situation, Ipas could not collect baseline data while initiating its humanitarian response programme in 2017. Only a post-evaluation was carried out by icddr,b from August to December 2022 based on a desk review, health facility observation and assessment, qualitative interviews, and a stakeholder consultation workshop.ResultsIn collaboration with relevant stakeholders from the Government of Bangladesh and local and international NGOs, Ipas performed structural renovation and logistical arrangements to ensure facility readiness within the camps. Until December 2022, it provided comprehensive training on menstrual regulation, post-abortion care, and family planning services to around 700 service providers from partner organisations and expanded its activities from 8 to 51 service delivery points in 23 camps. Overall, 42 213 FDMN women received menstrual regulation and post-abortion care, while 339 334 received family planning services from these facilities, with a growing trend over time.ConclusionsDespite the challenges and barriers inherent to a humanitarian setting, Ipas's programme activities have achieved significant progress in providing menstrual regulation, post-abortion care, family planning services, and trauma/survival-centred care to the FDMN women and girls. A flexible approach, stakeholder coordination and commitment, cohesive methods for health systems strengthening, and community engagement were instrumental to the success of Ipas's humanitarian response programme.

Project description:BackgroundDuring August 2017-January 2018, more than 700,000 forcibly displaced Rohingyas crossed into Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. In response to measles and diphtheria cases, first documented in September and November 2017, respectively, vaccination campaigns targeting children <15 years old were mobilized during September 2017-March 2018. However, in a rapidly evolving emergency situation, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, and lack of access to safe water and healthcare can increase susceptibility to infectious diseases, particularly among children. We aimed to estimate population immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) after vaccination activities in the camps to identify any remaining immunity gaps among Rohingya children.Methods and findingsWe conducted a cross-sectional serologic and vaccination coverage survey in Nayapara Registered Refugee Camp ("Nayapara") and makeshift settlements (MSs) April 28, 2018 to May 31, 2018, among 930 children aged 6 months to 14 years. MSs are informal, self-settled areas with a population of more than 850,000, the majority of whom arrived after August 2017, whereas Nayapara is a registered camp and has better infrastructure than MSs, including provision of routine immunization services. Households were identified using simple random sampling (SRS) in Nayapara and multistage cluster sampling in MSs (because household lists were unavailable). Dried blood spots (DBSs) were collected to estimate seroprotection against measles, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus, using Luminex multiplex bead assay (MBA). Caregiver interviews assessed vaccination campaign participation using vaccination card or recall. In Nayapara, 273 children aged 1 to 6 years participated; 46% were female and 88% were registered refugees. In MSs, 358 children aged 1 to 6 years and 299 children aged 7 to 14 years participated; 48% of all children in MSs were female, and none were registered refugees. In Nayapara, estimated seroprotection among 1- to 6-year-olds was high for measles, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus (91%-98%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 87%-99%); children >6 years were not assessed. In MSs, measles seroprotection was similarly high among 1- to 6-year-olds and 7- to 14-year-olds (91% [95% CI 86%-94%] and 99% [95% CI 96%-100%], respectively, p < 0.001). Rubella and diphtheria seroprotection in MSs were significantly lower among 1- to 6-year-olds (84% [95% CI 79%-88%] and 63% [95% CI 56%-70%]) compared to 7- to 14-year-olds (96% [95% CI 90%-98%] and 77% [95% CI 69%-84%]) (p < 0.001). Tetanus seroprevalence was similar among 1- to 6-year-olds and 7- to 14-year-olds (76% [95% CI 69%-81%] and 84% [95% CI 77%-89%], respectively; p = 0.07). Vaccination campaign coverage was consistent with seroprotection in both camps. However, nonresponse, the main limitation of the study, may have biased the seroprotection and campaign coverage results.ConclusionsIn this study, we observed that despite multiple vaccination campaigns, immunity gaps exist among children in MSs, particularly for diphtheria, which requires serial vaccinations to achieve maximum protection. Therefore, an additional tetanus-diphtheria campaign may be warranted in MSs to address these remaining immunity gaps. Rapid scale-up and strengthening of routine immunization services to reach children and to deliver missed doses to older children is also critically needed to close immunity gaps and prevent future outbreaks.

Dataset Information

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh 2020: a population-based cross-sectional study.

Objectives

Design

Setting

Participants

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh 2020: a population-based cross-sectional study.

Similar Datasets

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