Clinical outcomes and associated risk factors of Corona Virus Disease 2019 in healthcare workers of KP, Pakistan

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), is geographically the smallest province, characterized by high population growth and a large refugee population. It faces a set of unique obstacles in the health sector including limited human resources, low financial protection, and weak governance. Objective: To explore clinical outcomes and factors associated with mortality among Health Care Workers (HCWs) of KPK. Materials & Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted over 32 district of KP. A format containing 70 variables, including demographics, comorbidity, symptoms and outcomes, was developed and shared with rapid response teams (RRT) of each district and orientation was given for its use to the teams. Data were collected onto the software IPMS (Integrated Performance Monitoring System). We obtained this information from Health Department KP. Results: From February 2020 to 27th June 2020, 1813 HCWs reported COVID-19 positive; 669 had active infection, 1133 recovered while 11 died. Median age was 34 (IQR=14) years, and 76.1% were males. Fever, cough and sore throat were present in 40.5%, 33.5% and 19.1% while comorbidity was present in ~2% of patients. 6 patients were admitted to ICU and 4 patients received invasive ventilation- none survived. After adjusting for potential confounders, age, cough, Shortness of breath (SOB), headache, diabetes and chronic lung disease were significantly associated with mortality (all p<0.05). Conclusion: HCWs, with COVID-19, were young; predominantly males, mostly asymptomatic, and a small proportion had comorbidity. Fever, cough and sore throat were top 3 symptoms. Mortality rate was 0.6%. The outcome was poor in patients who received intensive care/invasive ventilation.