Characteristics and factors associated with severity of COVID-19 infections in primary care
https://doi.org/10.51866/oa.285
- Author:
Jazlan Jamaluddin
1
;
Yeow Siong Lee
2
;
Bee Kiau Ho
3
Author Information
1. Klinik Kesihatan Sauk, Jalan Besar Lenggong, Sauk, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia.
2. Klinik Kesihatan Selayang Baru, Jalan Sungai Tua, Batu Caves, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
3. Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanic, Blok A, Jalan Langat, Bandar Botanic, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
COVID-19;
Primary healthcare;
Malaysia;
COVID-19 vaccines
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2023;18():1-12
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Primary care service plays a vital role in early clinical assessment of patients with
COVID-19 in Malaysia. is study aimed to evaluate the potential risk factors of COVID-19 severity
at presentation to primary care facilities in the post-vaccination period.
Methods: Clinical records from the Selangkah system of all patients with COVID-19 aged above
18 years seen at COVID-19 assessment centres located in 10 government health clinics in Gombak
district, Selangor, from 1 October to 31 December 2021 with complete documentation and
outcomes were retrieved. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical features and vaccination statuses and
types were retrospectively evaluated. e variables were compared between mild and severe diseases.
Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify the factors a ecting disease
severity.
Results: A total of 4406 patients (median age=37 years, men=51.2%) were analysed. Approximately
97.1% of the cases were mild, while 2.9% were severe. Fever, di culty breathing, lethargy, throat
irritation/runny nose, oxygen saturation of <95%, respiratory rate of >20 breaths per minute,
CoronaVac vaccination and hypertension were the determinants of severity (P<0.05).
Conclusion: e high proportion (97.1%) of mild cases in this study compared with an earlier report
(81.8%) during the pre-vaccination period may suggest the impact of vaccine, as 84.9% of this cohort
was fully vaccinated. Our study also demonstrated a signi cant di erence in COVID-19 severity
between the vaccine types. e identi ed clinical features and comorbidities could assist primary
care doctors in stratifying patients with COVID-19 judiciously in terms of hospital referral or home
quarantine.
- Full text:20260824160735757129.2023my0226.pdf
