Prevalence of Long COVID symptoms in Bangladesh: A Prospective Inception Cohort Study of COVID-19 survivors. (preprint)

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of 'Long COVID' symptoms (LCS) in a large cohort of survivors and identify any potential associated risk factors. Methods: A prospective survey was undertaken of an inception cohort of confirmed COVID-19 survivors (Aged 18 to 87 years). 14392 participants were recruited from 24 testing facilities across Bangladesh between June, and November 2020. All participants had a previously confirmed positive COVID-19 diagnosis, and reported persistent symptoms and difficulties in performing daily activities. Participants who consented, were contacted by telephone, and were interviewed regarding LCS, and restriction of activities of daily living. Cardio-respiratory parameters were also measured. Statistical analysis included binary logistic and multiple linear regressions were performed with LCS as the dependent variable. Associated risk factors were identified using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Findings: Among 2198 participants, the prevalence of LCS at 12 weeks was 16.1%. Overall, eight LCS were identified and in descending order of prominence are: fatigue, pain, dyspnea, cough, anosmia, appetite loss, headache, and chest pain. COVID survivors experienced between 1 to 5 LCS with an overall duration period of 21.8 SD 5.2 weeks. SEM predicted the length of LCS to be related to younger age, female gender, rural residence, prior functional limitation and smoking. Interpretation: In this cohort of survivors, at 31 weeks post diagnosis, the prevalence of LCS was 16.1%. The risk factors identified for presence and longer length of LCS warrant further research and consideration to support public health initiatives. Funding: No funding

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of People living with SCI towards COVID-19 and their Psychological State during In-patient Rehabilitation in Bangladesh (preprint)

Study Design: A prospective cross-sectional survey. Objective: The study aimed to examine the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of people living with Spinal cord injury (SCI) towards COVID-19 and their psychological status during in-patient rehabilitation in Bangladesh. Setting: The Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) and the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), two tertiary level hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: From July to September 2020, a prospective, cross-sectional survey of SCI subjects, 13-78 years of age, carried out in two SCI rehab centers in Bangladesh. Data has been collected by face to face interview through a pretested, and language validated questionnaire on KAP and Depression, Anxiety, Stress (DASS). Ethical approval and trial registration obtained prospectively. As all the patients were previously living with Spinal cord injury (SCI), therefore, all the patients admitted/ attend SCI rehab centers were considered as SCI positive samples. Results: A total of 207 people with SCI responded, 87%were male, and 13% were female with mean age34.18 (SD 12.9) years. 33.8% was tetraplegic and 66.2% was paraplegic and 63.8% of them were diagnosed ASIA-A, with a motor score mean 45.38, the sensory score of 97.2, SpO2 95.07, and Vo2max 35.7 mL/kg/min. 178 people had at least one health issue. Overall knowledge score was 8.59 (SD 2.3) out of 12, depression 11.18 (SD 8), anxiety 7.72 (SD 5.1), and stress were 9.32 (SD 6.7) from a total of 21 scores each. There was a correlation between Knowledge and DASS with age (P

Coping with COVID Pandemic

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Fear of COVID-19 during the Rapid Rise Period in Bangladesh (preprint)

ObjectivesTo determine the level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) related to COVID-19 preventive health habits and perception of Fear towards COVID-19 in subjects living in Bangladesh. DesignProspective, cross-sectional survey of (n= 2157) male and female subjects, 13-90 years of age, living in Bangladesh. MethodsEthical Approval and Trial registration were obtained prior to the commencement of the study. Subjects who volunteered to participate and signed the informed consent were enrolled in the study and completed the "Fear of COVID-19 Scale" (FCS). ResultsTwenty-eight percent (28.69%) of subjects reported one or more COVID-19 symptoms and 21.4% of subjects reported one or more comorbidities. Knowledge scores were slightly higher in males (8.75{+/-} 1.58) than females (8.66{+/-} 1.70). Knowledge was significantly correlated with age (p

Knowledge, attitude and fear of COVID-19 in Bangladesh