Association of symptom characteristics and comorbid conditions with viral RNA positivity of Covid-19 patients in Kasaragod district in Kerala, India: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Symptoms of Covid-19 are known to be non-specific ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe illness affecting multiple organ systems. The duration of viral RNA positivity and transmission varies in individuals. We describe the association between symptom characteristics and comorbid conditions with viral RNA positivity of SARSCoV-2 affected individuals. METHODS We conducted a record-based retrospective cohort study of 179 patients found to be positive for Covid-19 in Kasaragod district in Kerala. We included details of all patients found positive during the initial phases of the pandemic and recorded details regarding symptoms, duration of viral RNA positivity and the occurrence of transmission. The data were analysed using SPSS. RESULTS Any symptom was present in 68%. Fever (43%) was the most common symptom while 50% had at least one respiratory symptom. Increased duration of viral RNA positivity was found to be associated with presence of comorbid conditions. The majority of individuals who transmitted disease (75%) had some symptom, predominantly a respiratory symptom. CONCLUSION Respiratory symptoms are seen in half of the patients and viral RNA positivity was for a longer duration in patients with comorbid conditions.

Self-Reported Physical Activity and its Correlates among Adult Women in the Expanded Part of Thiruvananthapuram City, India.

Data on correlates of physical activity (PA) are limited in India. This study estimated the prevalence and correlates of PA among women. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1303 women (mean age 45 years) selected by multistage cluster sampling. Information was collected using a pretested interview schedule. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlates of PA. Self-reported moderate or high level PA prevalence was 73.4% [95% confi dence interval (CI); 71.1-75.9]. Women who perceived themselves as being underweight [odds ratio (OR) 3.68: 1.97-6.74]; had an exercising member in the household (OR 3.41: 2.52-4.66); had access to exercise facilities (OR 2.17: 1.63-2.95); were married (OR 2.14: 1.40-3.25), were in the age group of 35-54 years (OR 1.91: 1.32-2.63); reported having knowledge about the benefi ts of PA (OR 1.62: 1.13-2.25); and who reported having the support of friends and neighbors (OR 1.42: 1.05-2.01) were more likely to report PA than their counterparts.