Characteristics of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection and the outcome of a visit to a Covid-outpatient clinic
Abstract
Introduction. The COVID-19 patients were treated in
outpatient clinics at primary healthcare centers, which alleviated
the pressure on secondary and tertiary healthcare levels.
Objective. We aimed to research the characteristics of
COVID patients, such as their symptoms, test results, comorbidities,
and exam outcomes.
Method. We completed a questionnaire for patients
who attended for examination between April 23 and April 29,
2021. We collected data on gender, age, symptoms, comorbidities,
vaccination status, and examination outcomes. The
data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS program.
Results. A total of 222 participants, comprising 61.7%
women, were involved in the study, with an average age of
47.9 ± 15.2 years. Among them, 24.8% were vaccinated, and
60.4% tested positive for COVID-19. The most common
symptoms reported included malaise, muscle and joint pain,
cough, and fever. Approximately half of the participants had
comorbidities, primarily among older individuals. Statistical
analysis showed no significant correlation between COVID-
19 test results and vaccination status (p=0.099), nor was
there a significant relationship with the presence of comorbidities
(p=0.118). Patients exhibiting milder symptoms were
typically sent home, while 26.1% were referred for further
diagnostic testing, and 10.4% were admitted to the hospital.
Vaccination status did not appear to influence the outcome
of the visits (p=0.240). Participants aged 51 to 65 were most
frequently referred for further diagnostics, while those over
65 (p=0.004) and individuals with comorbidities (p=0.003)
were more likely to be hospitalized.
Conclusion. There was no significant difference in
positive COVID-19 test results regarding vaccination and
comorbidities. Only 10% of the patients were referred to the
hospital, primarily those over 65 and patients with comorbidities.
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