Clinical, Demographic, and Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19 in Zahedan, Southeastern Iran

Abstract

As the epidemic spreads, COVID-19 poses a severe threat to the health of communities. Description of epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 patients helps with the prevention and scientific control of the pandemic. This descriptive study was conducted to describe the clinical, demographic, and epidemiological characteristics of 65 patients suspected of having COVID-19. A research-made questionnaire was used for data collection. Moreover, the patient's vital signs were examined. The samples were classified into the two groups of subjects with positive and negative RT-PCR test. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis of data. The most common manifestations were fever, shortness of breath, and dry cough. Moreover, the lowest proportion belonged to Rh-negative in all ABO blood groups. The patients were mainly male, about 44 years old, and their first and most common manifestations were fever, shortness of breath, and dry cough. In vital signs examination, reduction of blood oxygen saturation was the most important finding. Health centers need to consider these signs in treating COVID-19 patients.