Age and gender specific characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina in 2020

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) range from asymptomatic to severe clinical forms. Factors contributing to the unfavorable disease course, including gender and age of the patients, are still being studied. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the age and gender specifics of patients with different COVID-19 severity in the period March - December 2020 in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Material and methods: A descriptive method was applied. Data on laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were retrieved from the surveillance database of the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina and analyzed retrospectively. In terms of disease severity, cases were classified as: asymptomatic, mild, severe or critical. The gender and age-specific characteristics of COVID-19 cases in relation to the severity of the disease were analyzed and presented in tables and graphs. Results: In the observed period, a total of 78106 COVID-19 cases were registered (incidence 4217/100.000). Females accounted for 50.8% of cases. The highest age-specific incidence was registered in the age group 30 - 59 years (5876/100.000). Severe and critical forms of COVID-19 were more common in patients aged ≥ 60 years (18.0 - 39.0%). The asymptomatic disease prevailed in elderly ≥ 80 years (16.0%) and children < 9 years of age (13.0%). The specific incidence of severe/critical forms was 1.6 - 2.4 times higher in men. Conclusion: In the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, disease severity varied according to the gender and age of the patients. The working-age population was largely affected but severe disease forms were more often registered in the oldest, mostly male, patients.