Diabetics, smokers and asthmatics at a higher risk of falling severely ill from COVID-19: AKU study

Diabetics, smokers and asthmatics are at a higher risk of falling severely ill from COVID-19 but only half of urban and rural Pakistanis are aware of this, according to the findings of a new study by the Aga Khan University.

Researchers surveyed 738 men and women across rural and urban Pakistan to assess knowledge about coronavirus symptoms, its mode of transmission and ways to protect oneself from the disease.

While over 90 per cent of those surveyed knew that the elderly were at a relatively higher risk of complications from the disease, nearly half of respondents were unaware of other risk factors such as diabetes, smoking and asthma.

“Accurate information represents the first step in effectively protecting oneself and one’s loved ones from the disease,” Professor Zafar Fatmi of the AKU’s community health sciences department said. “This is especially critical for those living with at-risk groups as it will enable them to take the necessary precautions.”

Worryingly, less than one in 10 rural residents correctly identified being in crowded areas as a factor that left them more vulnerable to catching the coronavirus. The majority of residents in the rural sample, or 74 per cent, also incorrectly believed mosquito bites to be a cause of COVID-19.

Researchers also found an inadequate level of knowledge about symptoms of the disease. While the majority of respondents correctly recognised fever, coughing and a shortness of breath as signs of coronavirus, less than one in three respondents were aware of joint or muscle pain as being a symptom. Similarly, fewer than one in four of those surveyed knew that a person could be carrying the coronavirus without showing any signs or symptoms.

Respondents who could accurately identify more than five of the ten symptoms of the disease listed by the World Health Organisation were considered to have adequate knowledge, just eight per cent of those surveyed through the study were able to meet or exceed this benchmark.

Researchers also found a widespread belief in the myth that the coronavirus could be treated with existing medications. Even though there is no cure for the virus and only its symptoms can be treated, up to 60 per cent of urban Pakistanis incorrectly believed that pneumonia vaccines could protect them from the disease while 83 per cent or rural respondents asserted a myth that existing medicines can effectively treat the disease.