Investigating the Prevalence of COVID-19 In A Deprived Area Using Diagnostic Tests: A Cross-Sectional Study Reflecting Capability of Jihadi and Military Forces

Background and Aim: Corona antibody testing is one of the common methods used for diagnosing coronavirus infection due to its low cost, easy access, short testing time, and convenient sampling. Iran, with its valuable Jihadi and military resources, has been able to take some effective steps in controlling the crisis caused by this disease. This is especially important in disadvantaged and underprivileged areas. The present study aimed at investigating the prevalence of Covid-19 among people living around Hamun Lake, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran, using serological tests while considering the access to medical and healthcare facilities. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting data through administering a face-to-face checklist among people living in Hamun Lake, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran in March 2021. The checklist included the demographic data, symptoms, and underlying diseases. Laboratory and serological test data including PCR, IgM, and IgG tests were also evaluated. This study was carried out with the help of Jihadi and military forces. Results: According to the IgM and IgG diagnostic tests performed in this study, out of 622 patients, 74 were IgM positive and 105 were IgG positive. Besides, 10 participants were positive for all antigens. People over the age of 30 were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. However, there was no significant difference between men and women although women were more diagnosed with COVID-19. The most common symptoms associated with the disease in this study were cough (12%), shortness of breath (8%), and body pain (6%). Blood pressure (13%), heart diseases (9%), and diabetes (8%) were the predominant underlying diseases in the participants. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the prevalence of coronavirus disease in Hamun Lake, one of the deprived areas of the country in terms of access to healthcare facilities, was not significantly different compared to other parts of the country. It can be concluded that the level of access to healthcare facilities, cannot be one of the factors affecting the prevalence and incidence of coronavirus disease, at least in this study. The present study revealed the successful experience of using military forces to help the underprivileged people of the country to manage the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease.