COVID-19 in Long Term Care Institutions for the Older People: an epidemiological survey

COVID-19 in Institutions for the Older People

Abstract

Objective: To map the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Long-Term Care Institutions for the Elderly (LTCI) in the city of Ribeirão Preto, SP, including the elderly and employees, identifying associated factors, aiming at the timely adoption of preventive measures. Methodology: Epidemiological survey carried out in a medium-sized city to identify SARS-CoV-2 infection in residents and employees, identifying associated factors. There was stratified sampling, with demographic and health data, current or recent symptoms common to the infection being collected, in addition to assessing basic activities of daily living (BADL) and the cognition with application of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). A serological test was carried out on all those selected. Results: The elderly in the sample were 80.2 ± 9.7 years old and employees 37.4 ± 12.2 years old. The serological test positivity was 13.3% among the elderly and 25.9% among employees. Elderly people presented 2.9 ± 1.5 chronic diseases, with the use of 5.7 ± 2.8 medications, only 11.1% with negative dementia screening and 20% independent. Staff had SARS-CoV-2 detected previously in only 6.9%, with 30% without influenza vaccination and without systematic symptom checking. Conclusions: Strict rules of behavior should be instituted, as every employee is potentially a transmitter of the disease and, therefore, must be screened for symptoms before each workday. There was a high prevalence of cognitive changes that can make it difficult to comply with individual protection measures within the LTCIs.