PROFILE OF COVID-19 POSITIVES IN A METROPOLITAN CITY

Rupali Gajare, Rucha Wagh* and Sundaram Kartikeyan

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in a metropolitan city on 207 COVID-19 positive individuals (98 females: 47.34% and 109 males: 52.66%) by using a pre-tested and pre-validated online questionnaire to determine their socio-demographic and symptom profile. The gender difference in age distribution of participants was not significant. There were no significant gender differences in age distribution of participants, marital status, education and possession of medical insurance. There were highly significant gender differences in occupation (Z=3.342; p=0.0008) and size of household (Z=3.804; p=0.0001). Television was identified as the main source of information on COVID-19 by 44.89% females, with significant gender difference (Z=2.750; p=0.005). A significantly higher proportion of females (Z=2.230; p=0.020) revealed having had indirect contact with COVID-19 positive person. A significantly high (Z=2.848; p=0.004) proportion of males (21.10%) had tremors, as compared to females (7.14%). A significantly (Z=2.386; p=0.016) higher proportion of females reported mental stress. But, the gender differences were not significant in those reporting negative feelings, over-reaction to situations, feeling of worthlessness and lack of initiative. The participants had an adequate level of knowledge on COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19 Positive, Socio-demographic profile, Symptom profile.