Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Clinico-epidemiological Characteristics of the Physician Affected with Covid-19
M N Hasan1, A S M Islam, S C Das
1Dr Mohammad Naymul Hasan, Assistant Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College, Bogura, Bangladesh;
Insights
This study highlights the clinico-epidemiological profile of physicians in Bangladesh affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Entry-level doctors and those in COVID-dedicated hospitals faced higher infection rates, with fever and cough being predominant symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused significant mortality among healthcare professionals globally.
- Understanding the specific risks and characteristics of COVID-19 in physicians is crucial for targeted prevention and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of physicians affected by COVID-19 in Bangladesh.
- To identify risk factors and prevalent symptoms among physician COVID-19 cases.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, Facebook-based survey was conducted from August to September 2020.
- Snowball sampling was employed, with 151 physicians affected by COVID-19 participating.
- Data on demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, and perceived severity were collected and analyzed using SPSS 25.0.
Main Results:
- The majority of affected physicians were male (64.9%) and aged 24-35 years (86.8%).
- Entry-level physicians (Medical Officer or Assistant Surgeon) and those in COVID-dedicated hospitals were most affected.
- Common symptoms included fever, cough, and myalgia; one-third had comorbidities like asthma, obesity, or diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Physicians, particularly entry-level doctors, are vulnerable to COVID-19, necessitating enhanced protective measures.
- The study underscores the need for continuous education and vigilance among healthcare professionals regarding COVID-19 prevention.
- Non-uniform drug use patterns were observed, highlighting a need for evidence-based treatment guidelines.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) disease have been associated with significant mortality amongst doctors globally including Bangladesh. To delineate the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of the physician affected with Covid-19 was the objective of the study. This cross-sectional 'Facebook' based survey was conducted in the period of August 2020 to September 2020. Snowball sampling methods was followed. A total of 151 physicians affected with Covid-19 participated in this survey. Self-reported perceived severity scale (zero meaning not severe at all and ten denoting the most severe) was used. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0. Among the participants, the majority were male, 98(64.9%). The most prevalent affected age groups were 24-35 years 131(86.8%). Approximately 45.0% worked in COVID dedicated hospital. Entry-level physicians (Medical Officer or Assistant Surgeon) were the most affected 117(94.4%). One-third of the physicians had at least the one co-morbidity. Bronchial asthma, obesity and diabetes were the most frequent. Predominate symptoms of the infection were fever 94(62.3%), cough 94(62.3%) and myalgia 92(60.9%). Half of the participants had sore throat, anosmia, gastro-intestinal symptoms and one-third of the patients developed dyspnea. Perceived severity of the symptoms ranged between 2 and 6. The pattern of drug use to prevent the Covid-19 showed no uniformity. However, intake of Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, antihistamine and Ivermectin was found in 74.8%, 67.5%, 41.7%, 49.0% and 37.7% respectively. As the current pandemic continues to evolve, physicians must be equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills and must be cautious on the prevention measures against Covid-19.
More Related Videos
08:05Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia
Published on: December 19, 2020
09:03Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
01:21Causality in Epidemiology
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...