Initial presenting symptoms, comorbidities and severity of COVID-19 patients during the second wave of epidemic in Myanmar

7Citations
Citations of this article
57Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (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 of disease 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, Yangon Region, Myanmar, from November to December 2020. Data were collected by using standardized case report forms and then, a total of 222 confirmed COVID-19 inpatients were included in this study. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as a measure of association and the independent associated factors for severity of disease were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Results: In total, 81.5% were symptomatic patients and of these, the most common presenting symptoms were fever 54.1%, loss of smell 50.3%, and cough 30.9%. Among 37.8% of COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, the most common comorbidities were hypertension 58.3%, diabetes mellitus 29.8%, and heart diseases 26.2%, respectively. As a severity, 20.7% of patients had signs of severe pneumonia. The associated factors of severe pneumonia were aged 60 years and older [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.88, 95% CI 1.14–7.29], overweight or obesity (AOR: 3.87, 95%CI 1.80–8.33), and current smoking (AOR: 6.74, 95% CI 2.72–16.75). Conclusions: In this study, one-fifth of the patients developed severe pneumonia. The COVID-19 patients who were aged 60 years and older, overweight or obesity, and current smokers should be monitored carefully during the course of treatment to reduce the disease severity.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Htun, Y. M., Win, T. T., Aung, A., Latt, T. Z., Phyo, Y. N., Tun, T. M., … Htun, K. A. (2021). Initial presenting symptoms, comorbidities and severity of COVID-19 patients during the second wave of epidemic in Myanmar. Tropical Medicine and Health, 49(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-021-00353-9

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free