Epidemiology and Cluster Predictions on Prevention Strategies of SARS CoV-2 Cases from 2019-2024 in Selected Districts of Zambia.

BackgroundThe Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continued to be a global health threat despite many interventions put with new variants noticed. There is scarce information on SARS-CoV-2 predisposing factors in relation to the proximate-determinant framework in Zambia. This study aimed to determine epidemiological and cluster predictions on prevention strategies of SARS-CoV-2 cases in Zambia 2019-2024 in rural and urban settings. Materials and MethodsAn exploratory sequential mixed method study conducted in three districts; Ndola (Urban), Kafue (Peri-urban) and Lufwanyama (Rural). The target population were all the reported and recorded SARS CoV-2 cases above 15 years and all active cases. Study conducted; 81 random hospital-patient reviews, 21 face-to-face interviews, 5 systematic reviews and an addition 426 telephone survey. The participants were sampled using mixed mode sampling technique. Data was collected using records, structured questionnaires and interviews. STATA(Ver.17) as well as thematic analysis were employed. Results624 participated in this study with 528 cases having had tested or confirmed records of SARS CoV-2 test status with mean age 32 (SD10.3). There were more 271 (51.33%) males than 257 (48.7%) females with 80% listing home and work (67%) as places where they had spent over 8 hours of their time respectively. Persons observed at risk of severe cases of infection were; elderly males above 49 years (cOR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.16-3.89, p<0.014), and those who had other co-morbidities (43%). Participants aged 49 years and above and had experienced symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 had a significant effect on testing positive. (p<0.001). Twenty-one (21) were active cases with a pooled prevalence of 3.7%. ConclusionMajority of the population were knowledgeable about the causes, transmission risks and the SARS CoV-2 prevention guidelines. Failure to adhere to the stipulated SARS CoV-2 prevention guidelines accounted for most of the increases transmission rate among the sub-populations. Adults above 49 years with other co-commodities and not vaccinated were the most affected with the infection