Evaluating the home isolation of COVID-19 patients in primary care

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of home isolation and medical follow-up by analyzing data collected over the phone from isolated individuals.

Methods: A cross-sectional phone-based survey designed to evaluate the home isolated COVID-19 suspected patients at the Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Family Health Center in Istanbul city between 16th  March  5th May 2020.  A semi-structured questionnaire and the universal sampling technique were recruited to collect data about the socio-demographic and the COVID-19 related laboratory and clinical findings. The SPSS for Windows program was used to perform a univariate and bivariate statistical analysis. The Statistical alpha significance level was accepted at less than 0.05.

Results: A total of 463 confirmed, probable, or suspected cases of COVID-19 took part in this study with a mean age of 35.38 ∓17.1 (range: 0-86 years). Tow-third 310 (67.0%) underwent the PCR tests, and 67 (21.6%) confirmed positive results. Moreover, one-third (159, 34.3%) exposed to CT scans; however, 51(32.3%) were compatible with COVID-19. The median age of individuals with PCR positive was 38 years. More than half (40, 59.7%) were males, compared to 27 (40.3%) were females. There was no significant relationship between PCR positivity and pandemic period, age, or gender (P = 0.149; P = 0.545; P = 0.285), respectively. Although older individuals had a higher rate of CT scan compatible with COVID-19, the relation between increased age and COVID-19 compatible CT was found not to be statistically significant (P = 0.053). Moreover, there was  significant relationship between CT scan positivity and coughing, the tobacco smoking and diabetes (P = 0.003; P = 0.032; P = 0.016),  respectively.

Conclusion: Combining PCR, symptoms, and CT together doubles the likelihood of a correct diagnosis. Quarantined patients must be regularly monitored.