English

Abstract

This study sought to determine the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago by the socio-demographic and clinical characterization and comparison of local and imported cases. There have been limited prior studies on COVID-19 in the Caribbean. As such, this paper attempts to discuss the patterns associated with COVID-19 patients in this Caribbean territory. A retrospective study of 113 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection managed at Arima General Hospital and Couva Medical and Multi-Training Facility in Trinidad and Tobago from March 12th, 2020 to April 12th, 2020 was performed. Clinical data, epidemiological characteristics, demographics and clinical symptomology were recorded. Microsoft Excel and SPSS 22.0 were used for statistical analysis. Most patients were females (61.9%) while 38.0% were males. Most patients were between 45 to 64 years of age (43.4%) followed by those >65 years of age (28.8%). Cough was the most common presenting complaint (44.9%), followed by fever (37.1%). Most participants with a travel history were female (F: 61.9%; M: 38%). The occurrence of cough was high among both local cases (46.4%) and imported cases (47.6%). These patterns can inform clinicians and other healthcare workers on the unique findings associated with COVID-19 positive patients, especially those in the Caribbean region. Key words: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, epidemiology, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean Region.