COVID19: Clinical Presentation And Diversity Related To Age And Gender

Abstract

Objective: To determine frequency of different clinical symptoms in patients of Covid19 infection and to
explore effect of age and gender on symptoms distribution and behavioral risk of exposure.
Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Services
Institute of Medical Sciences. After informed consent, patients confirmed to have Covid19 infection were
interviewed for presenting symptoms, co-morbid illnesses and risk factors for exposure to corona virus. Data
was analyzed using SPSS® 22 using chi square and t test.
Results: Total of 114 patients with mean age of 55.03 (±11.9) and male to female ratio of 1.65:1 (71/43) were
included. Fever 84 (73.7%), shortness of breath 93 (81.6%) and cough in 76 (66.7%) patients were major
symptoms. Exposure to Covid19 positive patients was present in 12 (10.5%) patients, 74 (64.9%) continued
their outdoor occupational work and only 68 (59.4%) were wearing mask. We identified nausea (p value
0.002, OR 0.30 95% CI 0.13-0.69) and loss of consciousness (p value 0.002, OR 0.13 95% CI 0.03-0.59) as
less common symptoms in males as compared to females while cough was more common in males (p value
0.029 OR 1.36 95% CI 1.003-1.85). No difference in clinical presentation was noted in different age groups.
Conclusion: Fever, dyspnea and cough are major presenting complaints of Covid-19 infection. Cough is more common and nausea and unconsciousness are less in male patients while clinical symptoms does not vary with age.