COVID-19 and anosmia: A case control study in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan.

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to find the symptoms of COVID-19 in the population of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. It will then correlate the symptoms observed to the COVID-19 patients based on their day of monitoring. Study Design: Case-control study. Setting: Hospitals of Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Period: April 2019 to Dec 2020. Material & Methods: It was carried out in order to estimate the patients of COVID-19 with the symptoms of anosmia. Patients visiting the hospitals in the vicinity of Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir for their COVID-19 related symptoms were included in the study Sampling of the patients was done in the DHQT-H, Mirpur for the patients visiting the hospital and also from those who were isolated in Mohiuddin Islamic Medical college isolation ward. Demographic data was obtained. Day of PCR testing and their results were recorded for further statistical analysis of the prevailing symptoms in the population. Results: Most of the male population visited the hospitals with most COVID positive results and prevalence of anosmia within age group of 30-45 years. The affected regions were mostly Bhimbar and Mirpur. Conclusion: A high prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms particularly anosmia was observed in the middle-aged population of Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.