Community socioeconomic deprivation and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk: findings from Portugal

Background Socioeconomic differences have been observed in the risk of acquiring infectious diseases, but evidence regarding SARS-CoV-2 remains sparse. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and socioeconomic deprivation, exploring whether this association varied according to different phases of the national pandemic response. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data routinely collected for patients with a laboratorial result recorded in SINAVE®, between 2 March and 14 June 2020, were analysed. Socioeconomic deprivation was assessed using quintiles of the European Deprivation Index (Q1-least deprived to Q5-most deprived). Response phases were defined as before, during and after the national State of Emergency. Associations were estimated using multilevel analyses. Results The study included 223 333 individuals (14.7% were SARS-CoV-2 positive cases). SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence ratio increased with deprivation [PR(Q1)=Ref; PR(Q2)=1.37 (95% CI 1.19–1.58), PR(Q3)=1.48 (95% CI 1.26–1.73), PR(Q4)=1.73 (95% CI 1.47–2.04), PR(Q5)=2.24 (95% CI 1.83–2.75)]. This was observed during the State of Emergency [PR(Q5)=2.09 (95% CI 1.67–2.62)] and more pronounced after the State of Emergency [PR(Q5)= 3.43 (95% CI 2.66–4.44)]. Conclusion The effect of socioeconomic deprivation in the SARS-CoV-2 infection risk emerged after the implementation of the first State of Emergency in Portugal, and became more pronounced as social distancing policies eased. Decision-makers should consider these results when deliberating future mitigation measures.