Prognosis of COVID-19 infection among opium users in Iran,2020: a hospital-based study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Since Iran has the highest opioid consumption in the world and the literature surrounding the association of COVID-19 with opioid consumption is still insufficient, in this study, we aimed to present the individual, clinical, and outcome characteristics of patients with COVID-19 disease who had a history of opium use. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 1,985 patients, with a history of opium consumption, who were admitted to hospital because of COVID-19 disease were evaluated. Data were obtained from February 24, 2020 to June 21 2021, using the Medical Care Monitoring Center (MCMC) system of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences located in the province of Fars. Results The mean age of patients was 57.3 ± 17.1 years. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 disease were loss of consciousness (77.4%). 25% of patients had underlying diseases, the most common of which were cardiovascular disease (21.4%) and hypertension (21.2%). Out of 1,985 patients 251 (12.6%) died due to COVID-19. Multiple logistic regression showed that age, gender, having underlying diseases and high-resolution (HRCT) of lung are associated with mortality. Conclusion Our results showed, age 40–59 years, male gender, presence of underlying disease(s) and HRCT of the lung with finding, are correlated to the mortality of COVID-19 hospitalized patients with a history of opium consumption.