ABSTRACT
Background: Currently, there is few studies looking at of the risks and outcomes for COVID-19 infection in individuals with substance abuse disorder (SUD). SUD are believed to be at increased risk of covid infection and at more risk of bad outcome. Objective(s): The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of covid-19 and outcomes in patients with SUD presented to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital Emergency Department (ED) over 1 year. Method(s): It is a retrospective study that included all patients presented to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital Emergency Department from March 20120 to March 2021 who had drug abuse screening done. Patients were included if they are they are found to be positive for SUD and had a covid-19 swab test as well. Result(s): A total of 422 patients were found but only 104 patients met the inclusion criteria 0.99% (103/104) were male and Omani. The age range was 21-62 years old. Covid was positive in 8.6% (9/104). 0.98.5% presented with respiratory symptoms. 15.3% (16/104) had history infective endocarditis and 38.4% (40/104) had psychiatric disease. 57.6% (60/104) are smoker. 67.3 (70/104) were morphine abuser while 25% (26/104) methamphetamine abusers. 72.1% (75/104) were admitted to hospital with 77.8% admission (7/9) in patients with SUD with covid infection. Mortality was 6.7% (7/104) in general, with 33.3% mortality (3/9) in covid positive SUD. 55.6% (5/9) had hepatitis B, C and E compare to 43%(95/104) of covid negative. Further analysis showed, SUD patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis E have 5.5 increased risk of getting infected with covid-19. SUD patients with covid-19 have 11.4 increased risk of death. Drug abusers who are more?> = 30 years old have 4.2 increased risk of getting at least 2 complications (acute kidney injury, rhabdomylosis, aspiration pneumonia liver cirrhosis, ect). Conclusion(s): The prevalence of covid-19 in patients with substance abuse disorder was slightly high, and patients with hepatitis having 5.5 increased risk of getting infected with covid. Covid infection in SUD patients have high morbidity and mortality. Further studies are required to determine factors that would predict a worse prognosis of covid infection in SUD patients. Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V.