COVID-19 PCR Test Research Articles

Abstract 14249: COVID-19 and Complete Heart Block in a Vaccinated Adult

Introduction: Complete heart block (CHB) in association with Covid-19 is uncommon and has been described primarily in the pre-vaccine time period. In the setting of acute Covid-19 infection, decision to treat CHB with permanent pacemaker (PPM) is often uncertain as the CHB may resolve or persist. We present a case of reversible CHB and Covid-19 infection in a vaccinated healthy 28-year-old. Case: A healthy 28-year-old female presented after syncope. She had been vaccinated three times against Covid-19 with Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine with her third dose four months prior. She had known Covid-19 exposure and developed sore throat three days prior to presenting with syncope. She had no other symptoms. Physical exam was remarkable only for bradycardia. Labs showed positive Covid-19 PCR test and elevated troponin of 0.396 ng/mL. Complete blood counts, metabolic panel, ESR and CRP were normal. Lyme IgM and IgG were negative by Western blot. ECG showed CHB with a rate of 35 beats per minute (Figure 1A). Echocardiogram showed no abnormalities. The patient remained in CHB for 24 hours, at which point PPM was implanted after shared-decision making. Post-PPM ECG showed AV-paced rhythm (Figure 1B). At follow up, PPM interrogation showed that she transitioned to sinus rhythm with right bundle branch block (RBBB) followed by a return to normal sinus rhythm without RBBB 5 days after implantation (Figure 1C). Cardiac MRI two months after PPM implantation showed no abnormalities. Discussion: This was a case of Covid-19 associated myocardial injury with CHB in a fully-vaccinated, healthy adult treated with PPM. Despite vaccination, this patient experienced myocardial and conduction system involvement during acute Covid-19 infection. Myocardial injury along with this ECG progression suggested that there was transient inflammation of the myocardial septum resulting in CHB. It may be reasonable to delay PPM implantation in cases of CHB and Covid-19 infection as the CHB may be transient.

ODP030 Autoimmune Adrenalitis Following mRNA Covid- 19 Immunization In A Patient Without A Known Diagnosis Of Adrenal Insufficiency.

Abstract A 45-year-old female with a past medical history of Hashimoto thyroiditis and celiac disease presented after a syncopal episode that resulted in a motor vehicle accident. The patient had symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and anorexia for three weeks following the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Initial laboratory tests revealed hyponatremia with serum sodium (Na) of 123mEq/L that worsened to 111mEq/L after receiving the normal saline infusion. Serum potassium was 3.4mEq/l, Thyroid-stimulating hormone level was 6.350mIU/l, free thyroxine level was 1.1 ng/dl and glucose were 85mg/dl. The PCR test for COVID-19 was negative. Vitals were unremarkable except for a low blood pressure of 90/60. On physical examination, the patient was alert and communicative and there was no hyperpigmentation of the skin. The patient denied personal and family history of adrenal insufficiency. She denied prior use of any steroid medications. Her prior outpatient serum Na levels were normal (138-140 mEq/L). The patient was admitted to the ICU for severe hyponatremia, where she was treated with fluid restriction and hypertonic saline. However, she remained hypotensive, and serum sodium failed to improve above 118mEq/l. Serum cortisol at 8: 00 am and 10: 00 am were 4.5 and 5.8 mcg/dl, respectively. She was started on stress doses of hydrocortisone 100 mg intravenous (IV) followed by hydrocortisone 50 mg IV every 8 hours and serum Na improved to 130m Eq/l. Steroids were tapered gradually to physiological doses. The levothyroxine dose was also increased from the home dose of 75mcg to 88 mcg daily due to the elevated TSH. Hormonal workup showed aldosterone of 0.3ng/dl, plasma renin activity of 20, and adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) levels of >1250pg/ml. Gonadotropins, insulin-like growth factor-1, and prolactin were within normal limits. Cosyntropin stimulation test after holding steroids for 24 hours was abnormal, with pre-cosyntropin cortisol level 7. 0mcg/dl, and the 60-minute post-cosyntropin cortisol level 7.1mcg/dl. The diagnosis of autoimmune adrenalitis was confirmed with a positive 21-hydroxylase antibody test. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on oral hydrocortisone. Presentation: No date and time listed

ODP285 A Case of Encephalitis and Adrenal Insufficiency in a Patient With Panhypopituitarism After COVID-19 Vaccination

Abstract Background Since COVID-19 vaccination was introduced, various adverse effects have been linked to the vaccines. In patients with hypopituitarism, adrenal insufficiency due to the side reactions including fever of COVID-19 vaccination is concerned. Clinical Case A 33-year woman was on medical therapy including hydrocortisone (HC) for panhypopituitarism arising from surgical treatment of a pituitary adenoma in 2006. She received a COVID-19 vaccination on day X-3. On day X-2, she developed fever in the morning and became unconscious in the evening. She was brought to our hospital by her family at night on day X. She had fever of 40.5°C, low blood pressure, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 11. Her neck was supple and she had no quadriplegia. A COVID-19 PCR test was negative. Blood tests showed elevated white blood cell count (8900/μL; reference range: 3300–8600/µL) and C-reactive protein (138.3 mg/l; reference range: 0-1.44 mg/l). Blood glucose (81 mg/dL), ACTH (<3. 00 pg/mL; reference range: 7.2–63.3 pg/mL), and cortisol (1.9 μg/dL; reference range: 2.9–19.4 µg/dL) were low. Serum electrolytes were normal. A computed tomography scan showed no abnormality. Adrenal insufficiency was suspected, and she received HC intravenously. Her blood glucose and blood pressure increased, but her disorientation persisted. Lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed slightly elevated cell counts (8 μ/L; reference range ≤4 μ/L) with average protein and glucose levels. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed abnormal hyperintensity in the splenium of the corpus callosum on diffusion-weighted images and decreased apparent diffusion coefficient in the lesion, suggesting clinically mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS). During her hospital stay, she received a 7-day course of meropenem and acyclovir for suspected meningoencephalitis. Her consciousness disturbance improved to GCS of 15 on day X+1 and her fever decreased on day X+2. HSV and VZV PCR tests were negative on CSF examination, and antibiotics and antivirals were discontinued on day X+7. On day X+8, brain MRI showed complete resolution of the corpus callosum lesion. She discharged on day X+18 without any neurological sequelae. Conclusions For most vaccines, the incidence rates of encephalitis are low at 0.1–0.2 per 100,000 vaccinated individuals (1). The present patient developed fever and adrenal insufficiency after COVID-19 vaccination, and her prolonged disturbance of consciousness after HC administration led to the diagnosis of MERS. MERS should be considered in patients with adrenocortical insufficiency who show delayed recovery from unconsciousness with HC administration after COVID-19 vaccination. Reference: (1) Huynh W, Cordato DJ, Kehdi E, Masters LT, Dedousis C. Post-vaccination encephalomyelitis: literature review and illustrative case. J Clin Neurosci. 2008 Dec;15(12): 1315-22. Presentation: No date and time listed

A SEVERE ADVERSE DRUG REACTION (ADR) TO REGEN-COV (CASIRIVIMAB AND IMDEVIMAB)

<h3>Introduction</h3> A promising means to limit the progression of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are able to recognize viral antigenic epitopes of the Spike protein. Despite their high degree of efficacy, mAbs are sometimes accompanied by adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and although rare, they do occur and their use should be carefully determined by risk benefit considerations. <h3>Case Description</h3> A 33-year-old female with a history of intermittent asthma presented with a 7-day history of fatigue, myalgia, postnasal drip, diffuse palpable lymphadenopathy, and severe headache. During the first five days of her illness, she had multiple negative COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests. PCR test became positive on day 6 and symptoms had begun slowly improving on day 8. Because of slow improvement of symptoms, she was given IV dose of REGEN-COV(600 mg casirivimab, 600 mg imdevimab). About 12 hours after infusion, symptoms of fatigue and myalgias increased dramatically. For the next 5 days she experienced severe, diffuse and profound muscle tenderness, arthralgias, and fatigue. Symptoms gradually dissipated two weeks after the start of the mAb treatment. <h3>Discussion</h3> The unusual worsening of symptoms after the start of the mAb raises the question of a severe infusion-related reaction to REGEN-COV consisting of severe worsening of symptoms, increased arthralgias and diffuse muscle tenderness. Although the cause of these drug-related adverse reactions is unclear, the delayed start of the mAb may have contributed. In general, mAbs are usually safe but individual risks need to be carefully weighed against their expected therapeutic benefit.

Comparison of the Effects of Nasopharyngeal Swab Methods on Anxiety Score During COVID-19 PCR Test

Comparison of the Effects of Nasopharyngeal Swab Methods on Anxiety Score During COVID-19 PCR Test

The elusive goal of COVID-19 vaccine immunity

The elusive goal of COVID-19 vaccine immunity

Self-sampling to identify pathogens and inflammatory markers in patients with acute sore throat: Feasibility study.

IntroductionSore throat is a common reason for overuse of antibiotics. The value of inflammatory or biomarkers in throat swab or saliva samples in predicting benefit from antibiotics is unknown.MethodsWe used the ‘person-based approach’ to develop an online tool to support self-swabbing and recruited adults and children with sore throats through participating general practices and social media. Participants took bacterial and viral swabs and a saliva sponge swab and passive drool sample. Bacterial swabs were cultured for streptococcus (Group A, B, C, F and G). The viral swab and saliva samples were tested using a routine respiratory panel PCR and Covid-19 PCR testing. We used remaining viral swab and saliva sample volume for biomarker analysis using a panel of 13 biomarkers.ResultsWe recruited 11 asymptomatic participants and 45 symptomatic participants. From 45 symptomatic participants, bacterial throat swab, viral throat swab, saliva sponge and saliva drool samples were returned by 41/45 (91.1%), 43/45 (95.6%), 43/45 (95.6%) and 43/45 (95.6%) participants respectively. Three saliva sponge and 6 saliva drool samples were of insufficient quantity. Two adult participants had positive bacterial swabs. Six participants had a virus detected from at least one sample (swab or saliva). All of the biomarkers assessed were detectable from all samples where there was sufficient volume for testing. For most biomarkers we found higher concentrations in the saliva samples. Due to low numbers, we were not able to compare biomarker concentrations in those who did and did not have a bacterial pathogen detected. We found no evidence of a difference between biomarker concentrations between the symptomatic and asymptomatic participants but the distributions were wide.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that it is feasible for patients with sore throat to self-swab and provide saliva samples for pathogen and biomarker analysis. Typical bacterial and viral pathogens were detected but at low prevalence rates. Further work is needed to determine if measuring biomarkers using oropharyngeal samples can help to differentiate between viral and bacterial pathogens in patients classified as medium or high risk using clinical scores, in order to better guide antibiotic prescribing and reduce inappropriate prescriptions.

MISLEADING FEVERS: A CASE OF MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN ADULTS DUE TO COVID-19

MISLEADING FEVERS: A CASE OF MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN ADULTS DUE TO COVID-19

DERMATOMYOSITIS WITH RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE COMPLICATED BY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM IN A PATIENT AFTER ASYMPTOMATIC COVID-19 INFECTION

DERMATOMYOSITIS WITH RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE COMPLICATED BY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM IN A PATIENT AFTER ASYMPTOMATIC COVID-19 INFECTION

HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE CAN BREAK YOUR HEART

HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE CAN BREAK YOUR HEART

BILATERAL PNEUMOTHORAX, PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM, AND SUBCUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA: A CASE OF A RARE SYNCHRONOUS TRIAD IN ASTHMA EXACERBATION

BILATERAL PNEUMOTHORAX, PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM, AND SUBCUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA: A CASE OF A RARE SYNCHRONOUS TRIAD IN ASTHMA EXACERBATION

SEVERE PULMONARY BLASTOMYCOSIS IN A PATIENT WITH A COVID-19-POSITIVE TEST: A DANGEROUS ANCHORING BIAS

SEVERE PULMONARY BLASTOMYCOSIS IN A PATIENT WITH A COVID-19-POSITIVE TEST: A DANGEROUS ANCHORING BIAS

Clinical comparison of omicron and delta variants in older COVID-19 patients and the effect of vaccination status

Aim: It was aimed to investigate the clinical course of the Omicron vand Delta variant among the SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients over 65 years old and to compare their effects on patients.&#x0D; Material and Method: The study was conducted on 567 COVID-19 patients over 65 years old. All patients’ gender, age, medical history, COVID-19 PCR test results, blood test results, thorax CT images, vaccination status, hospitalization status, and treatment results were recorded. When evaluating the chest CT images, a semiquantitative scoring system was used. The patients were divided into the Omicron and Delta variant subgroups, and vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Comparisons were made between the Delta variant and Omicron variant groups, the vaccinated and unvaccinated patient groups,and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinated and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated patient groups.&#x0D; Results: A total of 519 patients were included in the study.337 patients were in the Omicron variant group, 182 were in the Delta variant group.The hospitalization rate, ICU admission rate, mortality rate, rate of symptomatic patients,and the median thorax CT severity score was significantly higher in the Delta variant group than the Omicron variant group.The hospitalization rate, ICU admission rate, mortality rate, median thorax CT score and the rate of asymptomatic patients was significantly higher in the unvaccinated patient group than in the vaccinated group.There was no significant difference in the mortality rates and in the ICU admission rates between the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated group and the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinated group.&#x0D; Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant compared to the Delta variant and the SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated patients compared to the unvaccinated patients had a milder clinical course and less mortality in COVID-19 patients over 65 years old.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Requesting a Complete Blood Count (CBC) in the Management of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have attempted to determine the value of the different laboratory investigations. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of requesting a complete blood count (CBC) for COVID-19 patients, as opposed to ordering a COVID-19 antibody titer in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The prices of a CBC, COVID-19 PCR, and antibody titer were obtained from 40 healthcare establishments in Saudi Arabia, between January and February 2022. Results: Requesting a CBC is significantly cheaper than requesting a COVID-19 antibody titer, which was available in almost all of the establishments, as compared to COVID-19 PCR and antibody titer testing. The investigation prices did not differ significantly between hospitals and private laboratories, nor across cities in Saudi Arabia. Conclusions: CBC, which provides valuable information on the patient’s condition and prognosis, is a cost-effective and widely available tool for managing COVID-19. The price and availability of CBC warrant it to be included in the COVID-19 management protocols.

Clinical features and outcomes of patients with myasthenia gravis affected by COVID-19: A single-center study

IntroductionMyasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that can exacerbate for various reasons including infections. In this study, we describe clinical symptoms, outcomes, and management of MG patients affected by COVID-19 infection. MethodsThis observational retrospective study was performed on patients previously diagnosed as MG, presenting with COVID-19 in the clinic or emergency department between April 2020 and August 2021. The clinical data, outcome, and therapeutic interventions were assessed in 83 patients with MG and COVID-19 infection. ResultsSeventy-seven patients performed PCR testing for COVID-19, of which 73 (94.8 %) were positive. Seven patients had the positive serologic test for COVID-19 (IgG and IgM). Fifty-seven (68.7 %) patients had lung involvement. Thirty-five (42.1 %) of patients were admitted to the hospital. Twelve (14.5 %) patients needed hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU), with a mean stay of 7.36 ± 5.6 days (rang: 2–20 days). Four (4.8 %) patients were intubated and required mechanical ventilation. Sixteen (19.3 %) patients experienced an exacerbation of myasthenia gravis and were treated with PLEX (n = 2), IVIG (n = 7), and intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone (n = 7). The outcome was favorable in 79 patients and fatal in four patients, three of whom had other comorbidities. One patient died due to severe COVID-19 involvement. ConclusionThe findings from our study demonstrated that patients with previous MG concurrence with COVID-19 have favorable clinical outcomes. Most patients did not need to be hospitalized and more than 80 % of patients did not display MG exacerbation.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Novel Systematic Screening Approach for Tuberculosis among Individuals Suspected or Recovered from COVID-19: Experiences from Niger and Guinea.

Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts tuberculosis (TB) activities. As TB and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, we assessed the effectiveness of integrated TB/COVID-19 screening in Guinea and Niger. From May to December 2020, TB screening was offered to symptomatic patients after a negative COVID-19 PCR test or after recovery from COVID-19 in Guinea. From December 2020 to March 2021, all presumptive COVID-19 patients with respiratory symptoms were tested simultaneously for COVID-19 and TB in Niger. We assessed the TB detection yield and used micro-costing to estimate the costs associated with both screening algorithms. A total of 863 individuals (758 in Guinea, and 105 in Niger), who were mostly male (60%) and with a median age of 34 (IQR: 26–45), were screened for TB. Reported symptoms were cough ≥2 weeks (49%), fever (45%), and weight loss (30%). Overall, 61 patients (7%) tested positive for COVID-19 (13 in Guinea, 48 in Niger) and 43 (4.9%) were diagnosed with TB disease (35 or 4.6% in Guinea, and 8 or 7.6% in Niger). The cost per person initiating TB treatment was USD $367 in Guinea and $566 in Niger. Overall, the yield of both approaches was high, and the cost was modest. Optimizing integrated COVID-19/TB screening may support maintaining TB detection during the ongoing pandemic.

COVID-19 after the first wave of the pandemic among employees from a German university hospital: prevalence and questionnaire data.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed lives around the world. In particular, healthcare workers faced significant challenges as a result of the pandemic. This study investigates the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in March-April 2020 in Germany among healthcare workers and relates it to questionnaire data. In June 2020, all employees of the reporting hospital were offered a free SARS-CoV-2 antibody test. The first 2,550 test results were sent along with study documents. The response rate was 15.1%. The COVID-19 PCR test prevalence amongst health care workers in this study was 1.04% (95% CI 0.41-2.65%), higher by a factor of 5 than in the general population (p=0.01). The ratio of seroprevalence to PCR prevalence was 1.5. COVID-19-associated symptoms were also prevalent in the non-COVID-19-positive population. Only two symptoms showed statistically significant odds ratios, loss of smell and loss of taste. Health care workers largely supported non-pharmaceutical interventions during the initial lockdown (93%). Individual behavior correlated significantly with attitudes toward policy interventions and perceived individual risk factors. Our data suggest that healthcare workers may be at higher risk of infection. Therefore, a discussion about prioritizing vaccination makes sense. They also support offering increased SARS-CoV-2 testing to hospital workers. It is concluded that easier access to SARS-CoV-2 testing reduces the number of unreported cases. Furthermore, individual attitudes toward rules and regulations on COVID-19 critically influence compliance. Thus, one goal of public policy should be to maintain high levels of support for non-pharmaceutical interventions to keep actual compliance high.

The ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on endometriosis patients: A survey of 1,089 UK patients.

The impact of Covid-19 on endometriosis patients is under-researched. Endometriosis has significant psychosocial effects on patients. Moreover, the mainstay of diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis is elective surgery, impacted as a result of healthcare strain. To better understand the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on endometriosis patients. An online survey sent to adult UK endometriosis patients between 27th August and 15th September 2021. The study received HRA and HCRW research ethic committee approval. Effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on endometriosis symptoms and surgery. We received 1,089 survey responses. Respondents had a median age of 34, and 82.0% of respondents were white British. 18.8% of respondents reported a previous positive Covid-19 PCR test. 84.6% of patients had been double vaccinated at time of response. 20 patients reported Covid-related hospital admission, with 1 requiring intubation. Large numbers of patients (31.4-55.2%) reported worsening of endometriosis symptoms during the pandemic. 69.2% of respondents reported worsening of associated mental health symptoms. Whilst 44% of respondents had elective endometriosis surgery planned, the majority of operations were disrupted, and 18.7% of total respondents did not have a new surgery date. More research and support are needed for endometriosis patients as they wait longer for surgery. A holistic approach, encompassing mental health needs, may be particularly beneficial for patients. This is the first survey examining the effects of Covid-19 on endometriosis patients including data beyond January 2021.

Secondary Infections in Patients with COVID-19 and Review of the Literature: A Retrospective Study Conducted at a University Hospital

Sekonder enfeksiyonlar, COVID-19 ile hastaneye yatırılan hastalarda yüksek mortaliteye yol açan başlıca komplikasyonlar arasındadır. Bu çalışmada, COVID-19 hastalarında gelişen sekonder enfeksiyonların prevalansı, risk faktörleri, etiyolojik ajanları ve antimikrobiyal direnç paternlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmaya 48 saat hastanede yattıktan sonra sekonder bakteriyel ve fungal enfeksiyon gelişen, COVID-19 PCR testi pozitif olan hastalar dahil edilmiştir. Hastaların klinik örneklerinden elde edilen bakteri ve mantar kültürlerinin sonuçları retrospektif olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Bu çalışmanın sonunda hastanede yatan 267 hastanın %16.1'inde (n=43) sekonder enfeksiyon geliştiği belirlenmiştir. Sekonder enfeksiyonlar erkeklerde (n=28, %65.1) kadınlara (n=15, %34.9) göre daha fazla saptanmıştır (p=0.024). Sekonder enfeksiyonu olan hastaların medyan yaşı (65.0 yıl) daha yüksek bulunmuştur (p&amp;lt;0.05). Sekonder enfeksiyonlu 43 hastanın %93'ünde (n=40) komorbidite saptanmıştır. Sekonder enfeksiyon gelişen hastaların 29'unun (%67.4) yoğun bakım ünitelerinde, 14'ünün (%32.6) servislerde tedavi gördüğü belirlenmiştir (p&amp;lt;0.001). Sekonder enfeksiyonların hastanede kalış süresini uzattığı (ortalama 25.5 gün) ve mortaliteyi artırdığı (n=16, %37.2) bulunmuştur (p&amp;lt;0.001). Etken ajan olarak tanımlanan ilk üç mikroorganizma, metisiline dirençli koagülaz negatif stafilokoklar (n=21, %16.3), Acinetobacter baumannii (n=19, %14.7) ve Candida albicans’tır (n=14, %10.9). Acinetobacter baumannii izolatlarının karbapenem direnç oranları %94.7 saptanmıştır. Koagülaz negatif stafilokokların %100'ünde metisilin direnci bulunurken vankomisin, teikoplanin ve linezolid direnci saptanmamıştır. C. albicans (%10.9) izolatlarında test edilen antifungal ajanlara karşı direnç bulunmamıştır. Sekonder enfeksiyonlar arasında özellikle pnömoni (n=25, %36.3), kan dolaşımı enfeksiyonları (n=19, %27.6) ve idrar yolu (n=18, %26.1) enfeksiyonları ilk sırada yer almıştır. COVID-19 ile ilişkili olarak gelişen sekonder enfeksiyonların ve risk faktörlerinin saptanması, etken mikroorganizmaların tanımlanması ve antimikrobiyal direnç paternlerinin belirlenmesi hastalığın prognozu, enfeksiyon kontrolü ve antimikrobiyal yönetimi açısından oldukça önemlidir.

COVID-19 perceived stigma among survivors: A cross-sectional study of prevalence and predictors

Background and objectivesPerceived stigma related to infectious diseases is of public health importance and can adversely impact patients' physical and mental health. This study aims to identify the level of perceived stigma among COVID-19 survivors in Qatar and investigate its predictors. MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional design was employed. Four hundred and four participants who had a positive COVID-19 PCR test were randomly selected from medical records. The selected participants were interviewed to collect sociodemographic and health-related information. Perceived stigma was assessed using the COVID-19 perceived stigma scale-22 (CPSS-22) that was developed by the researchers. A descriptive analysis followed by a bivariate analysis investigated possible associations between the perceived stigma levels and independent variables. A multivariable analysis was performed using logistic regression to identify any significant associations with perceived stigma. The validity and reliability of the developed tool were also tested. ResultsThe prevalence of COVID-19 perceived stigma was twenty-six percent (n = 107, 26.4%) at 95% CI [22.4–30.4]. Factors associated with higher COVID-19 perceived stigma were male gender, being a manual worker, non-Arabic ethnicity, low educational level, living alone, and being isolated outside the home. However, only occupation, ethnicity, and low educational level predicted COVID-19 perceived stigma in multivariable analysis. The CPSS-22 showed excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.92). ConclusionPerceived stigma was relatively common among participants. Designing programs and interventions targeting male manual workers and those of low-educational levels may assist policymakers in mitigating the stigma related to COVID-19.