The Effect of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing in Education on Early Detection and Prevention of Epidemics: A Faculty Example from Trakya University
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Tarih
2023
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Yayıncı
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Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Özet
Introduction: To ensure the safe continuation of face-to-face education, there is ongoing discussion regarding the routine use of easily applicable tests. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in the early diagnosis of COVID19 cases among university students studying face-to-face. Materials and Methods: Our study spanned a duration of eight weeks and included students from three different departments within a faculty. The first group of students underwent rapid antigen tests twice a week, with positive results confirmed by PCR testing. The second group was visited twice a week, and students displaying symptoms underwent both rapid antigen and PCR tests. The third group was monitored solely through the use of Hayat Eve Sigar (Life Fits Into Home) codes. To identify asymptomatic cases and students who did not report their symptoms in the second group, all volunteers on the final day of the study underwent screening using rapid antigen tests. The groups were compared based on the obtained results, and a questionnaire was administered to the students during each visit. This approach allowed for the investigation of factors associated with positive cases.Results: A total of 274 students participated in our study, with 114 (41.6%) in the first group, 96 (35.0%) in the second group, and 64 (23.4%) in the third group. The rate of detecting the cases in the first group was significantly higher than in the second and third Conclusion: The obtained findings indicate that COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, as mentioned, can serve as a screening tool for the early detection of cases and prevention of further spread among students during face-to-face education. These results align with the criteria established by international organizations and epidemiological standards. By screening all participating students, the potential for bias is minimized, enabling the identification of asymptomatic individuals who may unknowingly transmit the virus.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
COVID-19, Education, Rapid Antigen Testing, SARS-Cov-2, Surveillance
Kaynak
Flora Infeksiyon Hastaliklari Ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi
WoS Q Değeri
N/A
Scopus Q Değeri
Cilt
28
Sayı
3
