Role of inflammation in determining the severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with diabetes: A comparative study

There is a need to consider the geographical origins when studying the association between COVID-19 and the comorbid conditions. To examine the role of inflammation in determining the severity of COVID-19 among hospitalized patients with diabetes and compare these roles with those who does not have diabetes. A cross sectional comparative design was used with a convenience sample of 352 patients. Samples were collected from hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who were divided into 2 groups (diabetes and non-diabetes). Data regarding results of selected inflammatory markers and sociodemographic were collected. The severity of COVID-19 differed significantly between the diabetes and non-diabetes groups (Chi square = 25.58 P < .05). There was significant difference in the mean scores of neutrophil counts, monocyte count, Basophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, partial thromboplastin time, C-creative protein, platelets, white blood cells, and mean cellular hemoglobin center between those with and those without diabetes. The diabetes were shown more increased in the predictors and severity of the COVID-19 disease. However, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil count, and age were the significant predictors of the severity level of COVID-19 among patients with diabetes. In conclusion, our study addressed the influence of having diabetes among hospitalized patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 infection. The results showed that severity of COVID-19 infection was affected by diabetes where those with diabetes had more tendency to suffer from the severe form of the disease rather that the moderate level.

Health-Related Quality of Life for Jordanian-Recovered Individuals During Post-COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim

This study aims to determine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that includes the physical and mental health of recovered patients of COVID-19 and examines the significant impact of variables such as period of infection, sample demographics characteristics, hospitalization past, and chronic disease past and the other variables on HRQoL of COVID-19-recovered patients.

Methods

An exploratory, community-based, cross-sectional research layout was adopted, using an electronic self-reporting survey disseminated online to recovered COVID-19 patients in Jordan. Targeted COVID-19 patients were individuals who were 18 years old or above. They had a documented background of COVID-19 illness, as stated in the following inclusion requirements: Those who had not been formally proven to have been afflicted by COVID-19 were excluded.

Results

The mean of the physical well-being of study participants during COVID-19 was M=68.00 (SD=6.95), representing medium physical well-being status. The mean of psychological well-being of study participants during COVID-19 was M=60.20 (SD=8.85), representing medium physical health. Multiple regression showed that female recovered patients who are not working, with a low level of income, married women, and who getting COVID-19 more than once are having lower health-related quality of life compared to other recovered patients.

Conclusion

The HRQoL of COVID-19 patients was significantly impacted, independent of the period since hospitalization or rehabilitation. Policymakers and health workers should research strong ways to enhance the HRQoL of COVID-19 patients as soon as possible. Elderly patients and those who have been infected more than one time and being hospitalized have a greater probability of decreased HRQoL after infection.

Prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in Yemen

PURPOSE

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) continues to be a significant health disorder triggering harmful complications in pregnant women and fetuses. Our knowledge of GDM epidemiology in Yemen is largely based on very limited data. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the prevalence and risk factors of GDM among pregnant women in Dhamar governorate, Yemen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 311 subjects were randomly selected for this cross sectional survey. Health history data and blood samples were collected using a pretested questionnaire. To determine the prevalence of GDM, the fasting and random blood glucose techniques were applied according to the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, using alternative methods that are more convenient to the targeted population. Poisson's regression model incorporating robust sandwich variance was utilized to assess the association of potential risk factors in developing GDM.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GDM was found to be 5.1% among the study population. Multivariate analysis confirmed age ≥30 years, previous GDM, family history of diabetes, and history of polycystic ovary syndrome as independent risk factors for GDM prevalence. However, body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2) and previous macrosomic baby were found to be dependent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

This study reports new epidemiological information about the prevalence and risk factors of GDM in Yemen. Introduction of proper maternal and neonatal medical care and health education are important in order to save the mother and the baby.