Comparison of Characteristics and Clinical Symptoms of Inpatients and Outpatients with COVID-19

Abstract

Nowadays, one of the best ways to manage COVID-19 is to understand the characteristics of patients and the risk factors associated with the disease. This study aimed to investigate and compare the characteristics, symptoms, and prognosis of inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19 in Poledokhtar city In this descriptive-analytical study, 288 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 through PCR tests at COVID-19 screening centers and Imam Khomeini Hospital in Poledakhtar city were selected using the census method. They were divided into inpatient and outpatient groups. Data from patient files were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. The study revealed significant differences in age, comorbidities, prior infection, and aspirin use between the inpatient and outpatient groups. Cough was the most common symptom among all patients, with weakness and fatigue being more common in inpatients and cough being more prevalent in outpatients. The overall mortality rate was 5.2%, with inpatients having a worse prognosis compared to outpatients. In the present study, inpatients were found to be older, have more underlying health conditions, fewer prior infections, and experience a poorer prognosis than outpatients. Given that patients may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms upon admission, evaluating other patient factors is crucial in assessing disease severity.