It was unknown the COVID-19 situation in the Indigenous population from Chocó, Colombia. We aimed to describe the sociodemographic features and its previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in this population.
Cross-sectional study that aims to recruit at least 924 people. We are surveying people in Quibdo (the capital of the State Chocó) and in indigenous reservations. Sociodemographic, clinical history and symptoms and vital signs are taken. From each person that agreed to participate in the study, a capillary whole blood sample was analyzed using STANDARD Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Duo Test SD BIOSENSOR. In addition, for those people with clinical symptoms at the moment of the study survey, a combined nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab sample was taken for the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test.
To the date, 148 agreed to participate. 55.4% are female, the median age was 36 years (P25: 27 – P75: 47). People have low report of current smoking (1.35%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (4.73%), asthma (2.7%) and diabetes (2.03%). 67.8% of people have overweight or obesity. 73% of population reported at least one symptom, and the most common were headache (53%), fatigue (50%), muscle pain (43%), cough (36%) and joint pain (32%). There were 35.94% positive for IgM and/or IgG antibody detection. Among 19 people tested for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, 8 had positive results. We found that indigenous population in those communities have limited access to healthcare system partly influenced by cultural and linguistic barriers, geographic remoteness, shortage of transportation, the lack of confidence they have in western medicine, in addition to be frequent victims of the internal armed conflict.
These results suggest active transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in these communities. Concerted efforts from western and traditional medicine, with long-term support, are necessary to improve their health situation respecting their cultural traditions and decreasing their health vulnerability.
None to declare