The epidemiological profile associated with lifestyle risk factors and nutritional status for COVID-19 patients in the Iraqi population

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection and to identify the lifestyle factors and nutritional status associated with the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional survey was carried out in the eighteen Iraqi governorates, from 1st August to 20th of October 2020. At the end of this study, 433 participants were recruited.

Results. The prevalence of coronavirus infection was 37.18%. Smoking and active physical activity were relatively higher for COVID-19 patients who are male, and belonged to the under-45 age range were 91.3%. It notices that COVID-19 patients who smoked and had active physical activity were married, residents in urban, and worked. Likewise, COVID-19 patients who had equal or more than an institute/college level of education are smokers and had active physical activity. Obesity prevalence was higher for patients aged <45 (92.2%), and higher for females (51%). The proportion of obesity was generally higher for married and for those living in urban areas (92.2%). Obesity was significantly more common among those in worked (70.6%).

Conclusions. Of note is the high prevalence of COVID-19 infection observed. A strong correlation between the prevalence of active physical activity among COVID-19 patients and gender, marital status, residence, education, and occupation. Unexpectedly, the prevalence rate of obesity among COVID-19 patients correlating with socio-demographic status did not yield a significant difference.