In continuation of the studies conducted by the Arab American University aimed at capturing the rapidly changing COVID- 19 pandemic, the Arab American University Center For Studies and Polling in collaboration with the Palestinian Center Bureau of Statistics conducted a national seroprevalence sample survey targeting adult Palestinians who are over the age of 18 years and living in the West Bank. The survey aimed at measuring the prevalence of antibodies developed in response to Covid-19 virus among Palestinian adults. The Survey questionnaire included demographic and health parameters associated to the coronavirus disease severity and susceptibility. The data collection for this survey occurred within the period of (September 14th – October 21st, 2021).
A randomly selected sample of 1451 adults aged 18 years or older residing in 11 governorates in the West Bank were interviewed. Blood samples were collected from 911 participants who agreed to participate in the seroprevalence study. Serological tests for the 911 adequate serum samples were done using an immunoassay for detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence was estimated as the proportion of individuals who had a positive result in the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the immunoassay.
The main findings of the survey showed that a large majority of adult Palestinians (75.9%) developed antibodies against covid-19. The results did not show significant difference between males (74.2%) and females (77.5%).
Percentage of individuals aged 18 years or older who developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 according to gender
Unlike gender, the study results showed quite a significant difference in antibodies prevalence across age groups in the Palestinians society. The youngest age group (18-29 years) recorded the lowest prevalence of antibodies (69.2%), while the age group (30 -50 years) showed a prevalence of 77.9%. While the older group (50 years or older) got the highest prevalence of antibodies (84.1%). Such result could be attributed to the fact that the older population categories got more vaccinated than the younger population categories.
Percentage of individuals aged 18 years or older who developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 according to age
Percentage of individuals aged 18 years and above who developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 according to the immunization status
When participants in the survey were asked whether or not they got infected with Covid-19, the results of the survey showed that 13.6% of participants reported getting infected with Covid-19 virus. The reporting was lower among males (10.7%) than females (16.5%).
The findings of the survey showed that 52.8% of participants reported getting vaccinated. The results showed a significant difference in reported vaccination between males (64.3%) and females (40.9%).
The study results indicated that 51.77% of the participants who reported getting vaccinated received Pfizer vaccination, 27.13% received Sputnik Light vaccination, and a lower percentage of the participants received other available vaccinactions.
Percentage of immunized individuals aged 18 years or older according to the type of vaccine
The findings of the survey provide the public, health professionals and various stakeholders a view on Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the West Bank region of Palestine. The Arab American University will continue to conduct studies to help assess the epidemiological situation of Covid-19 in Palestine. The Studies and Polling Center at the Arab American University aims at encouraging and fostering data driven decision making across various governmental, private sector and civil society organizations.