SEROPREVALENCE OF COVID 19 AMONG STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

COVID -19 was a pandemic in 2020 that led to the shutdown of academic activities worldwide. This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of IgG and IgM in terms of age, sex and accommodation type of students in the University of Benin and also to assess the risk factors of COVID-19 among students in the Faculty of Education. A total number of 591 students participated and their data was collected using Open Data Kit (ODK) App. Nasopharyngeal swab and blood samples were obtained from the participants using Standard Q COVID 19 Antigen, Antibody Test Kit (RT-PCR). All antigen result were negative, revealing that there was no active infection among students, but a greater percentage of the students (78%) tested positive to IgG. For IgM ,majority (84%) tested negative whereas (16%) tested positive .In Faculty of Education, age, sex and sharing of facilities in the accommodation type of participants was not a significant risk factor .To ensure minimal exposure of SARS-CoV-2 or other future like pandemic among students, more similar study has to be carried out in other universities across the country, as this study was the very first of its kind in Nigeria. Also it is advised that students should get all the recommended doses of COVID -19 vaccines, try keeping a safe distance from other students especially in enclosed space, and the safety measures given by the university should be adhered to strictly.