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

Background 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. Methods 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. Results Ultimately, 683 patients were included in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that older age ( P = 0.006) and depressive status ( P = 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 vs . 16.0 ± 4.4, P = 0.003) and in patients with PHQ-9≥5 (17.5 ± 4.2 vs . 16.2 ± 4.5, P = 0.026). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that there was a significantly higher primary re-positivity rate in patients aged ≥60 years ( P = 0.004) and PHQ-9 ≥ 5 ( P = 0.007). Conclusion 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

Anxiety · Cohort · Confidence interval · Depressive symptoms · Disease · Logistic regression · Odds ratio · Psychiatry · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 · Medicine · SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research · Internal Medicine

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