ABSTRACT
Studies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms, post-coronavirus disease (COVID) conditions, and vaccination outcomes in Pakistan are limited and inconsistent. The study investigated differences in symptoms and post-COVID conditions between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and the impact of vaccination on illness duration based on existing literature. Methods: The study was a 3-month cross-sectional study conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan. It targeted individuals aged 16 and above who had contracted COVID-19 at least once during the recent pandemic, regardless of gender, and confirmed through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing. The sample size was 250, determined using the WHO sample size calculator. Data were collected through questionnaires after obtaining verbal consent and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26, taking into account their vaccination status along with other important variables. Results: Among the 250 respondents, 143 (57.2%) were unvaccinated, while 107 (42.8%) were vaccinated at the time of contracting COVID-19. Unvaccinated subjects developed a greater variety of symptoms that lasted for longer durations (P<0.001) with symptoms like dyspnea [55 (38.5%, P=0.011)], anosmia [76 (53.1%, P=0.001)], and chest pain [24 (16.8%, P=0.029)] occurring at greater percentages. Sixty-one (42.7%) unvaccinated subjects reported post-COVID conditions as opposed to 29 (27.1%) among the vaccinated group [P=0.011; odds ratio (OR)=0.5; 95% CI=0.29-0.86]. Conclusion: The study found that COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the duration and frequency of symptoms, as well as post-COVID conditions. This is the first research of its kind conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan, and may serve as a foundation for future research in this demographic.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: To determine the occurrence of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) due to Mycobacterium bovis in abattoir workers, butchers, livestock farmers, and veterinarians and to document their knowledge and practices regarding bovine TB (bTB). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among abattoir workers, butchers, livestock farmers, veterinary doctors, and veterinary assistants. Sputum samples were collected from the respondents with a chronic cough and data on sociodemographic conditions, knowledge, and practices regarding TB were obtained. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 141 abattoir workers, 317 butchers, 50 livestock farmers, five veterinary doctors, and three veterinary assistants took part. Four of 16 coughing abattoir workers and one of 50 coughing livestock farmers were positive for M. bovis by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Duration of work as an abattoir worker was significantly associated (p<0.05) with prevalence of zoonotic TB. Age, education, and type of work carried out by workers were not significantly associated with zoonotic TB. None of the abattoir workers, butchers, and livestock farmers had undergone any sort of formal training related to their work. The knowledge of abattoir workers, butchers, livestock farmers, and veterinary assistants regarding transmission of bTB from animals to humans and the symptoms of TB in humans was very poor. Most of these workers did not use protective equipment and appropriate safe working techniques and were considered at high risk of acquiring zoonotic TB. CONCLUSION: Zoonotic TB is a significant public health issue among professionally exposed groups in Peshawar, Pakistan, and suggests a need for further detailed investigations of the disease in this and similar areas.
