Opium and Tobacco Use, and Outcome in COVID-19 Infected Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Individuals with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and data are limited on the relationship between opium and tobacco use and COVID-19 mortality. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of opium and tobacco use, as well as the effect of different consumption intensities of these substances, on the outcomes of patients with COVID-19. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 900 patients with a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 who were referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari, Iran, were reviewed. Data collection was conducted through the patient information registry system and telephone contact with patients or their companions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 software. Chi-Square, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparisons between groups. A P-value of 0.05 or lower was considered statistically significant. Results: Death and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher (P = 0.023 and P = 0.01, respectively), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly lower in tobacco smokers (P = 0.046). Additionally, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and multiple co-morbidities were significantly higher in opioid users (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P = 0.014, respectively), and fatigue was significantly lower in the group that did not use opioids (P = 0.009). No statistically significant relationship was found in any of the subgroups of opioid and tobacco users in terms of death or discharge (P > 0.05). Conclusions: In a global context where COVID-19 mutations are prevalent, any amount of tobacco and opium use should be considered a risk factor.