Background There is limited data on the clinical presentation and predictors of mortality in the African‐American(AA) patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 despite the disproportionately higher burden and mortality. The aim of this study is to report on the clinical characteristics and the predictors of mortality in hospitalized AA patients with COVID‐19 infection. Methods In this retrospective cohort review, we included all AA patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection admitted to an inner‐city teaching community hospital in New York City. Demographics, clinical presentation, baseline co‐morbidities, and laboratory data were compared between survivors and non‐survivors. The predictors of mortality were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 408 (median age, 67years) patients included, 276(66.65%, median age 63years) survived while 132(33.35%, median age 71years) died. The most common presenting symptoms were cough, myalgia, fever/chills, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain), with a prevalence of 62.50%, 43.87%, 53.68%, and 27.21%, respectively. Age (OR 1.06, CI 1.04‐1.08, P‐ <0.001), body mass index (OR 1.07, CI 1.04‐1.11, P‐ <0.001), elevated serum ferritin(OR 1.99, CI 1.08‐3.66, P‐ 0.02), C‐reactive protein (OR 2.42, CI 1.36‐4.33, P ‐0.01), and D‐dimers(OR 3.79, CI 2.21‐6.50, P‐ <0.001) at the time of presentation were identified as the independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions Cough, shortness of breath, fever/chills, gastrointestinal symptoms, and myalgia were the predominant presentation among African‐Americans hospitalized with COVID‐19 infection. Advanced age, higher BMI, elevated serum ferritin, C‐reactive protein, and D‐dimers are independent predictors of mortality among hospitalized African‐Americans with COVID‐19 infection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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BackgroundDepression and prescription opioid use have a bi-directional relationship. Depression commonly co-occurs with chronic noncancer pain and is known to be associated with opioid use. Studies have found an increased risk of depression only in patients with opioid dependence. Other studies have found an increased risk of opioid misuse in depressed patients. In addition, chronic pain conditions can lead to depression without the use of opioids. MethodsWe used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data collected over seven survey cycles spanning 14 years: 2005/2006-2017/2018. Included in our study were participants ≥18 years who completed the patient health (PHQ-9) questionnaire. Persons with documented use of opioids were considered to have chronic use of opioids. Relevant data files were merged, and analytical weights computed in keeping with the survey analytical guidelines. Prevalence measures are reported as proportions. Associations were assessed using the Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the trend in the prevalence of opioid use. We used STATA-16 for data analysis and p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsA total of 36,459 participants met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of depression was 7.7% (95% CI: 7.3-8.2). The prevalence of any narcotic use was 6.0%. Among depressed individuals, Blacks: OR 0.71 (95% CI: 0.54-0.93) and Hispanics: OR 0.48 (95% CI: 0.34-0.67) were less likely to be on narcotics compared to non-Hispanic Whites. The prevalence of opioid use was stable over the first 12 years, followed by a significant drop in the last two years. ConclusionBeyond the risk for opioid misuse, and opioid use disorder, depression should also be considered when prescribing opioids. It is therefore important to implement a training to screen for depression in patients receiving opioids for pain management.

Introduction: Novel Corona Virus Disease 19 has created unforeseen burden on health care. New York city is one of the epicenters of pandemic and here we explore physical, mental and social impact of COVID 19 on Resident Physicians (RP) working within the center of this epicenter. Methods: This is a single-center cross-sectional web-based survey involving RP of a community hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Questionnaire was formulated in online platform. We used a convenient sampling method. Univariate analysis was conducted and presented the distribution of qualitative responses as frequency and percentages. Result: COVID19 related symptoms were reported by 39.8% RP. COVID19 IgG and IgM antibodies, both negative were reported by 34.9%, while only 6% RPs were IgG antibody positive. Symptomatic RP tested for COVID19-PCR was positive in 42.42%. Self-isolation from family during the pandemic was reported by only 14.5%. Financial constraints, lack of accommodation, and emotional reasons were main reasons of not being able to self isolate. Being bothered by 'Anxiety' and 'Nervousness' were reported by 8.5% on 'Almost every day' while 46.3% reported on 'several days in the two weeks duration'. 'Uncontrollable worrying', 'Feeling down', 'Depressed,' or 'Hopeless' was reported as 'Not at all' by 78.8% and 3.7% reported it to 'occur nearly every day for the last two weeks'. Conclusion: Aftermath of fight against pandemic has left RP with significant physical, mental, and social impact. Appropriate stress management and safety interventions are urgently needed. Further studies are needed to explore the detailed impact of COIV19 on RP.