Initial Presenting Symptoms, Comorbidities and Severity of COVID-19 Patients Attending Hmawbi and Indine Treatment Centers During the Second Wave of Epidemic in Myanmar: a Cross-sectional Study (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by a highly contagious virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 emerged in China at the end of 2019 and became a major threat to health around the world. The health experts are still learning more about the detailed knowledge of the natural course and the severity of COVID-19. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and association of severity with demographic characteristics, initial presenting symptoms, and comorbidities among COVID-19 patients in Treatment Centers, Myanmar. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hmawbi and Indine Treatment Centers from November to December 2020 and a total of 176 adult COVID-19 patients participated in this study. Data were collected by telephone surveys using structured questionnaires. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used as a measure of association and the independent associated factors for severity (pneumonia) were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Results: In total, 76.7% were symptomatic patients and the most common presenting symptoms were fever 43.2%, loss of smell 42.0%, and cough 25.6%. The prevalence of comorbidity in COVID-19 patients was 35.8% and the most common comorbidities were hypertension 19.9%, heart diseases 9.7%, and diabetes mellitus 9.1%, respectively. As a severity, 23.3% of patients had signs of pneumonia. The associated factors of pneumonia were aged 60 years and older [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 8.82, 95 % CI 2.68-29.08] , overweight or obese (AOR 3.33, 95% CI 1.30-8.54), current smoking (AOR 15.29, 95% CI 2.91-80.37), and alcohol drinking (AOR 7.04, 95% CI 1.40-35.31). Thirty percent of symptomatic patients present with pneumonia. Conclusions: Nearly one-fourth of the patients developed pneumonia. The COVID-19 patients who are aged 60 years and older, overweight or obese, current smokers, and alcohol drinkers should be monitored carefully during the course of treatment to reduce the disease severity.