Socio-clinical characteristics of COVID-19 disease in Anbar Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a massive impact worldwide. Clinical symptoms vary in different countries. In addition, a wide range of symptoms involve most of the body systems including the respiratory system. However, COVID-19 has no classical presenting signs. Objective: This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of hospitalized and nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients in Anbar Governorate, Iraq. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Anbar Governorate, Iraq. The study covered the period from May 1 to June 30, 2020. All cases were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data concerning the age, gender, residence, occupation, clinical symptoms, smoking, history of systemic diseases, and disease fate were collected from patients' records. Results: Of 481 patients, 259 (53.8%) were male. The patient age ranged from 12 to 104 years with a mean age of 45.7 ^ 16.11. Majority of the patients aged 36-58 years (n = 204, 42.4%) and were urban dwellers (n = 318, 66.1%), non-healthcare workers (n = 447, 92.9%), and nonsmokers (n = 440, 91.5%). The chief complaint was fever (n = 300, 64.2%). The mortality rate was 5.6% (n = 27). The increasing age, male gender, and a history of systemic illnesses showed an increased effect on the mortality rate ( p, 0.05). Residence, occupation, and smoking status did not show significant difference ( p . 0.05). Conclusion: The mortality rate was 5.6%. Fever was the main feature of COVID-19. Male, older individuals with systemic diseases showed higher mortality rate.