Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of COVID-19 cases attending Rural Health Training Centre of one of the Medical Colleges of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding the epidemiological and clinical profile of COVID-19 cases and pattern of disease is very much required for future preparedness. Objective: To assess the epidemiological and clinical profile of cases of COVID 19 Method: Cross sectional descriptive study was carried out at a Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC). All cases in the reported in the month of January 2022 were included in the study. The information about the epidemiological and clinical profile was collected from RHTC records by conducting telephonic interview. Results: Total 83 cases were reported. Among them, 43 (54.4%) cases were in age group 20-39 years. Male: Female ratio was 1.37:1. There was one death and patient had ovarian cancer as co-morbidity. Total 71 patients could be contacted for telephonic interview. Fever was most common symptom and was presenting symptom on first day followed by cough/cold and sore throat. None had shortness of breath or chest pain. Hospitalization rate was 5.63% and none required oxygen supplementation or intensive care. Recovery period was 3-5 days. Out of total, 90% cases were fully vaccinated and 95.8% had knowledge of CAB. Diabetes and hypertension were most common co-morbidities and were statistically significantly more in age > 40 years. Conclusions: The COVID-19 cases in the beginning of year 2022 had clinical presentation different than the earlier waves. Periodic situational analysis can guide in policy making for handling this pandemic in future.