COVID-19 and ethnicity: Spotlight on the global rheumatology issues in developing and developed countries

Patient Empowerment: Apni Jung (Our Fight) against Rheumatoid Arthritis for South Asian Population

Covid-19 has affected many populations in the UK, and ethnic minority communities in particular. People from ethnic minority communities living with long-term chronic diseases have shown to be less engaging with self-management and report having poor medication adherence. The main reason to this problem is the way information is delivered to non-English speaking patients. This editorial discusses an innovation to over this barriers in rheumatology practice.

Outcomes and Laboratory and Clinical Findings of Asthma and Allergic Patients Admitted With Covid-19 in a Spanish University Hospital

Individual susceptibility and clinical outcome of Covid-19 are variable and mortality is also very variable across countries, being particularly high in Spain. Comorbidities might increase the risk for less favourable outcomes, but it has been reported that patients with antecedents of asthma or allergic diseases were under-represented among hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Aiming to compare the clinical evolution of patients with antecedents of asthma or allergic diseases and patients without these antecedents, we analyzed a series of 113 consecutive patients with Covid-19 in a regional hospital in Spain. We collected and analyzed the putative effect of the 16 most common co-morbidities, previous treatment with 33 drug classes, symptoms, radiological, and laboratory findings at admission and drug therapy after admission. Predictors of long hospital stays were older age (P = 0.002), low oxygen saturation (P = 0.001) and bilateral radiological findings at admission (P = 0.023). Predictors of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission were the previous use of calcium-channel blockers (P = 0.005), proton pump inhibitors (P = 0.017), low oxygen saturation (P = 0.002), high leukocyte count (P = 0.011), and high D-dimer values (P = 0.005). Predictors of mortality were older age (P = 0.001), antecedents of cerebrovascular disorders (P = 0.034), previous use of oral anticoagulants (P = 0.009) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (P = 0.003), and increased levels of interleukin-6 (P = 0.001). Patients with antecedents of allergic diseases were about ten years younger (P = 0.003) and had fewer comorbidities (P = 0.026) than the rest of the patients. In conclusion, antecedents of allergic diseases might influence hospitalization risk in relatively young patients.

Emerging public health challenge in UK: perception and belief on increased COVID19 death among BAME healthcare workers

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus infection Disease 19 impacted every part of the world and routine life. Recent report from the Office of national statistics in UK reported disproportionate death among Black Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) population. NHS is heavily relied on the BAME work force both in front line and in the community. We attempted to explore the beliefs and perception about reported worrying issue among BAME health work force in a Diverse city of Leicester.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional survey using 20 questions in an electronic format. The target population was identified through Leicester Asian Doctors Society and Leicester Asian Nurses Society. The questionnaire was then distributed electronically to the members. Survey questionnaire was accessed by 372, incomplete response (172) were excluded and 200 completed responses were analysed.

RESULTS

Majority of BAME workforce are routinely involved in front line duties. More than 70% were anxious about their role during this pandemic. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supply was adequate, and the support received from the local healthcare providers was more than satisfactory. The work force perceived co-morbidity, lack of PPE and testing were one of the few reasons for increased death in BAME. BAME group felt adequate provision of PPE, increased testing and improving mental health well-being is required to alleviate concerns and improve BAME working life in NHS.

CONCLUSION

BAME workforce are routinely involved in front line work and current anxiety level is very high. Adequate provision of mental health support with clear risk stratification for return to work is required urgently.