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

Ye Minn Htun; Tun Tun Win; Aung Aung; Thant Zin Latt; Yan Naung Phyo; Thet Min Tun; Nyan Sint Htun; Kyaw Myo Tun; Khin Aung Htun

doi:10.1186/s41182-021-00353-9

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

Trop Med Health. 2021 Aug 6;49(1):62. doi: 10.1186/s41182-021-00353-9.

Authors

Ye Minn Htun¹, Tun Tun Win², Aung Aung³, Thant Zin Latt³, Yan Naung Phyo⁴, Thet Min Tun², Nyan Sint Htun², Kyaw Myo Tun², Khin Aung Htun⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Prevention and Research Development of Hepatitis, AIDS and Other Viral Diseases, Health and Disease Control Unit, Nay Pyi Taw, 15011, Myanmar. dryeminnhtun85@gmail.com.
² Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Defence Services Medical Academy, Mingalardon, Yangon, Myanmar.
³ Department of Research and Development, Defence Services Medical School, Hmawbi, Yangon, Myanmar.
⁴ Outpatient Department, No. 3 Military Hospital (100 Bedded), Hlegu, Yangon, Myanmar.
⁵ Department of Surgery, Defence Services Medical Academy, Mingalardon, Yangon, Myanmar.

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; Comorbidities; Initial presenting symptoms; Pneumonia; Severity.