Comorbidity Affecting the Severity of COVID-19 Infection in Iraq

Aims COIVD-19 Patients suffering from other diseases such as diabetic mellitus, asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease have increased morbidity and mortality rates resulting in more hospitalization and intensive therapy unit admissions. The study aimed to characterise and investigate the clinical pattern and the severity of symptoms in COVID-19 patients and to study its relationship with the coexisted morbidities. Instrument & Methods The data was collected from COVID-19 patients (N=202) who attended the Al-Shefaa center in Al-Najaf city, Iraq, during the period from 6 September 2020 to 20 January 2021. Demographical features, comorbidities, chronic diseases, and more prevalent symptoms were studied. The data was collected anonymously and processed using IBM SPSS 25 software. The descriptive statistics were performed. Findings 121 patients (59.9%) had a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18, while 38 patients (18.8%) have BMI ranged 18.5 to 24.9. Furthermore, 16 patients (7.9%) have BMI between 30-34.9 and only 6 (3%) have a BMI of 35-39.9. Patients with hypertension 9 (4.5%), respiratory diseases 7 (3.5%), atherosclerosis 6 (3%), diabetic Mellitus 6 (3%). Patients with moderate Covid-19 symptoms account for 54% of the cases while only 2% of the patients developed severe manifestations. Hair fall happened in 105 patients (52%), the severity can range from mild (43.6%) to severe (2.5%), and fever 61 (30%). Eighty-five patients (42.1%) of admitted patients with an incubation period of 2 weeks while 6 (3%) for 4 weeks. The requirement for artificial oxygen therapy was seen in 19 (10%) of cases, whereas 183 patients (90%) recovered without artificial oxygen support. Obesity was observed in more than 10% of infected patients, whereas more than 40% of cases have coexisted chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, respiratory tract disorders and other chronic diseases. The duration of the disease ranged from a few days (15.3%) to 2 weeks (41%) to 4 weeks (3%). Conclusion The study highlights the possible role of obesity and concurrent chronic diseases on the magnitude and duration of COVID-19 illness.