Clinico-epidemiological Characteristics of the Physician Affected with Covid-19.

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) disease have been associated with significant mortality amongst doctors globally including Bangladesh. To delineate the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of the physician affected with Covid-19 was the objective of the study. This cross-sectional 'Facebook' based survey was conducted in the period of August 2020 to September 2020. Snowball sampling methods was followed. A total of 151 physicians affected with Covid-19 participated in this survey. Self-reported perceived severity scale (zero meaning not severe at all and ten denoting the most severe) was used. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0. Among the participants, the majority were male, 98(64.9%). The most prevalent affected age groups were 24-35 years 131(86.8%). Approximately 45.0% worked in COVID dedicated hospital. Entry-level physicians (Medical Officer or Assistant Surgeon) were the most affected 117(94.4%). One-third of the physicians had at least the one co-morbidity. Bronchial asthma, obesity and diabetes were the most frequent. Predominate symptoms of the infection were fever 94(62.3%), cough 94(62.3%) and myalgia 92(60.9%). Half of the participants had sore throat, anosmia, gastro-intestinal symptoms and one-third of the patients developed dyspnea. Perceived severity of the symptoms ranged between 2 and 6. The pattern of drug use to prevent the Covid-19 showed no uniformity. However, intake of Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, antihistamine and Ivermectin was found in 74.8%, 67.5%, 41.7%, 49.0% and 37.7% respectively. As the current pandemic continues to evolve, physicians must be equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills and must be cautious on the prevention measures against Covid-19.