Having chronic back pain did not impact COVID-19 outcome in a low-income population - a retrospective observational
Antônia Celia de Castro Alcantara1, Hermano Alexandre Lima Rocha2, Jobson Lopes de Oliveira1
1Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
Introduction:
Chronic back pain (CBP) is a major cause of years lived with disability. Social inequalities increase the prevalence and burden of CBP. Management of CBP was affected by restricted access to non-pharmacological treatments and outdoor activities during COVID-19 pandemic.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of CBP among patients with COVID-19 as well as the impact of having CBP in COVID-19 outcome in our low-income population.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort of individuals with confirmed COVID diagnosis from May 2020 - March 2021, at Hospital Regional UNIMED (HRU) in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Data included comorbidities and household income.
Results:
Among 1,487 patients, 600 (40.3%) were classified as having CBP. Mean age as well as income were similar in CBP and non-CBP groups, with more women in the CBP group. Hypertension and asthma, but not diabetes, were more prevalent in those with CBP. Need for emergency care, hospitalization, and admission to intensive care unit were similar regardless of having CBP. Dyspnea was more common in CBP vs. non-CBP groups, with 48.8% vs. 39.4% percentages, respectively (p = 0.0004).
Conclusion:
Having CBP prior to COVID did not impact the acute clinical outcome of COVID individuals of a low-income population.
