COVID-19 among University of Otago students living in North Dunedin households in the first half of 2022: was the prevalence underestimated?

The article investigates the prevalence and reporting of COVID-19 among University of Otago students living in North Dunedin student flats during the first half of 2022, from Flat Orientation Week to the end of Semester 1. It found a very high period prevalence, with 94.1% of households and 73.6% of individual occupants testing positive for COVID-19, yet substantial under-reporting occurred: only 60.4% of student cases notified the University, and 66.9% of positive rapid antigen test (RAT) results were uploaded to the Ministry of Health's My Covid Record system. The study also highlights varied household behaviors regarding isolation and the significant academic, financial, and mental health stresses experienced by students during this period. These findings underscore challenges in accurate case reporting and the broad impact of COVID-19 on university students in this community.