Prevalence and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in institutionalized older adults

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection and the factors associated with COVID-19 in a geriatric institution in Cali, Colombia. This is an observational, cross-sectional study in institutionalized older adults after a COVID-19 outbreak. In a population of 252 adults who were screened for SARS-CoV-2. The prevalence of COVID-19 infection and its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, symptoms, and geriatric clinimetry were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate regression models with prevalence ratios. Of this population, 84 (33.3%) were infected. A higher prevalence was found in adults >= 80 years (PR = 1.69 95% CI 1.16-2.47), with malnutrition (MNA <17) (PR = 1.44 95% CI 1.01-2.04 ) and with a Barthel index <60 (PR = 1.57 95% CI 1.09-2.25). Those infected presented mostly with fever (PR = 2.08 95% CI 1.39-3.09) and cough (PR = 1.61 95% CI 1.10-2.34). In conclusion, the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in institutionalized older adults is related to advanced age, malnutrition, and functional dependence.