Background: Corona virus infection has become a public health problem in the 2020. This retrospective pilot study aims to determine the prevalence of risk factors and protective factors among patients with COVID-19.

 

Study Design, case control study in a hospital

Subjects and Methods: This study included 147 cases ofCOVID-19, confirmed by rt PCR test conducted by the Chief Medical Officer of Moradabad, India. Validated questionnaires as instruments/tools were used to diagnose risk factors and protective factors among patients (n=147), and age and sex-matched  healthy subjects (n=150), above 18 years of age in both the groups.  

 

Results: The prevalence of risk factors, travel history in areas infected with COVID-19, contact with Jamat, tobacco consumption, Western-type diet were significantly (P< 0.05) more common among patients with COVID-19 compared to the control group. Congested housing and over-crowding in the house were also significantly (P<0.01) more common among patients compared with control subjects. There was a significantly(P<0.01) lower prevalence of physical activity, music listening, yoga practice, moderate alcohol intake, and intake of herbs and nutraceuticals among COVID-19 patients compared to the control group.

 

Conclusions: Travel from COVID-19 infected area, contact with Jamat, tobacco consumption, Western-type foods, congested housing, and overcrowding in houses were significant risk factors among patients with COVID-19. Lack of physical activity, quarantine in house, lockdown in house, lockdown in the street, and lockdown in the city as well as Indo-Mediterranean type diets, yoga practice, and moderate alcohol intake were possible protective factors which may inhibit COVID-19 and its complications.