Background: The test positivity rate (TPR) of COVID-19 is an epidemiological indicator used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a population at a certain time. However, large data analysis on the TPR in Indonesia is still limited. In this study, we determined COVID-19 TPR dynamics of Indonesian West Sumatra Province in the first year of cases were recorded. Method: We conducted an observational study with a cross-sectional approach from one-year secondary data of COVID-19 test using qualitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR) in West Sumatra collected from April 2020 until March 2021. The TPR(s) in the province, its regions (cities/ regencies), and districts were determined annually, quarterly, and monthly to analyze their trends. Results: : From a total of 410,424 individuals taking COVID-19 q-RT-PCR examination during one-year observation, the provincial TPR was 8.11%. The highest TPR quarterly and monthly was detected in the third quarter (October 2020 – December 2020, 12.18%) and October 2020 (15.62%) respectively. The TPR of cities was likely two times higher than regencies. There were significant differences in annual TPR between regions, districts, and any period of times detected in this study. Conclusion: We have shown the COVID-19 q-RT-PCR TPR dynamics to describe SARS-CoV-2 transmission control among different areas in West Sumatra. This study should be beneficial to ensure an effective COVID-19 preventive strategy in the future.
Analysis of COVID-19 Test Positivity Rate in West Sumatra, Indonesia: A Cross-sectional Study of One-year Observation