Factors associated with SARS-COV-2 positive test in Lifelines

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections can be challenging to distinguish from other respiratory illnesses.
• Identifying factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic, lifestyle, and symptom-related factors associated with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test.
• To compare the predictive performance of logistic regression with machine learning algorithms for SARS-CoV-2 positivity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study in the Northern Netherlands included 12,786 participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 between June 2020 and April 2021.
• Data on demographics, well-being, symptoms, and lifestyle were collected; logistic regression and machine learning models were used for analysis.
• Participants were matched by sex, age, and test timing in a 1:4 ratio of positive to negative SARS-CoV-2 test results.

Main Results:

• Of 12,786 participants, 2,564 (20%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
• Factors increasing SARS-CoV-2 risk included contact with a positive case, household size, typical SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, male gender, and fatigue.
• Factors decreasing risk included higher quality of life, inhaler use, and specific symptoms like runny nose, back pain, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Conclusions:

• Close contact with an infected individual and living with multiple household members are the strongest predictors of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test.
• Loss of smell or taste is the most significant symptom; symptoms like runny nose or sore throat may indicate other respiratory conditions.