Analysis of Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients in Rudan county, Iran

Background: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) as a global pandemic. The aim of the present study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of COVID19 patients in Rudan county so that regional managers can make timely and effective decisions. Materials and Methods: This is a crosssectional study performed on all registered patients with confirmed COVID19 in Rudan county by July 10, 2020. Patient information was extracted from COVID19 patient information registration system. The collected data included gender, age, mortality, underlying disease, time of infection, occupation, contact history, and hospitalizations. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: In this study, 614 (56%) of the patients were male and 477 (43%) were female. The mean age of patients was 43 ± 17 years. A total of 136 patients (12.5%) had at least one underlying disease. The majority of patients with underlying diseases (75%) had a history of contact with a patient with confirmed COVID19. There was no statistically significant relationship between mortality and gender. The mean age of in-patients and outpatients was 56 ± 19 and 40 ± 15 years, respectively. Most deaths occurred among the elderly and housewives, and the highest infection rate also occurred among the latter group. Conclusion: In a situation where the COVID19 pandemic is a global threat, health systems must demonstrate appropriate and timely responses based on the development and implementation of preventive policies and the care of vulnerable and high-risk patients.