Positivity Rate of SARS-COV-2 Using Reverse Transcription- Polymerase Chain Reaction Among Pediatric Population Admitted in a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Philippines

Abstract

Background: Positivity rate is a measure used in public health surveillance to gauge the spread of disease and may be used as a guide in creating measures to minimize its extent. This study examines the change of positivity rate with the quarantine classification of Davao City, Philippines and appreciates its effect in the pediatric population.Objectives: To determine the Positivity Rate of COVID 19 infection among the pediatric population admitted at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) from March 2020-July 2021.Methodology: The study used a retrospective study design via chart review of all 0-18 years old admitted in SPMC as COVID 19 Confirmed from March 2020 to July 2021. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis of the variables in this study.Results: Of the 913 patients included, majority were 12-18 years old (43.04%). Most had a known exposure to a covid-19 confirmed individual (59.46%), and were asymptomatic (38.08%) or mild (35.71%). The hospital had a positivity rate of 1.79%. The age group 12-18 years old had the highest positivity rate (1.79%). Changes in the positivity rate were noted with a change in the quarantine classification of the city. Most of confirmed cases (76.71%) were swabbed within 0-5 days from symptom onset.Conclusion: Pediatric patients are at risk for COVID-19, although most present with mild symptoms. The monthly positivity rate of SPMC changes depending on the quarantine classification of Davao City, with stricter quarantine classification showing negative percentage change. Early testing of pediatric patients with symptoms of COVID-19, ideally within 0-5 days from the onset of symptoms, is recommended for better detection and timely implementation of quarantine protocols.

Keywords: Positivity rate, Pediatric COVID-19, COVID-19

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/108-05

Publication date:May 31^st 2023