AUTHOR=Li Maojun , Peng Huawen , Duan Guangyou , Wang Jian , Yu Zhiqing , Zhang Zhongrong , Wu Liping , Du Ming , Zhou Shiji 

TITLE=Older age and depressive state are risk factors for re-positivity with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1014470

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.1014470

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Background</title><p>The reinfection rate of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is high; thus, exploring the risk factors for reinfection is important for the effective control of the epidemic. This study aimed to explore the effects of psychological and sleep factors on re-positivity with Omicron.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Through a prospective cohort study, 933 adult patients diagnosed with Omicron BA.2.2 infection and testing negative after treatment were included for screening and follow-up. We collected data on patients' demographic characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron vaccination status, anxiety, depression, and sleep status. Patients underwent nucleic acid testing for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron for 30 days. Regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to determine the risk factors for re-positivity of Omicron.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Ultimately, 683 patients were included in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that older age (<italic>P</italic> = 0.006) and depressive status (<italic>P</italic> = 0.006) were two independent risk factors for Omicron re-positivity. The odds ratios of re-positivity in patients aged ≥60 years and with a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score ≥5 was 1.82 (95% confidence interval:1.18–2.78) and 2.22 (1.27–3.85), respectively. In addition, the time from infection to recovery was significantly longer in patients aged ≥60 years (17.2 ± 4.5 <italic>vs</italic>. 16.0 ± 4.4, <italic>P</italic> = 0.003) and in patients with PHQ-9≥5 (17.5 ± 4.2<italic>vs</italic>. 16.2 ± 4.5, <italic>P</italic> = 0.026). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that there was a significantly higher primary re-positivity rate in patients aged ≥60 years (<italic>P</italic> = 0.004) and PHQ-9 ≥ 5 (<italic>P</italic> = 0.007).</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>This study demonstrated that age of ≥60 years and depressive status were two independent risk factors for re-positivity with Omicron and that these factors could prolong the time from infection to recovery. Thus, it is necessary to pay particular attention to older adults and patients in a depressive state.</p></sec>