Characteristics of COVID-19 patients and Risk Factors of Mortality in the early Times of Pandemic, Herat-Afghanistan

Abstract

Objectives: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause different types of diseases. Evidence suggests a link between COVID-19, non-communicable diseases, and higher death rates. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 24 to July 5 in Herat province of Afghanistan. The data for this study was provided by the public health department of Herat province and consists of socio-demographic data, signs, and symptoms of the disease, side diseases, characteristics of hospitalization of the patients, history of contact with an infected person, and type of the test to diagnose COVID-19. Results: The study included 11,183 cases tested for COVID-19, of which 53.5% were positive. This study shows that the cure rate among patients living in the city was 96.2%, compared to 94.7% in the Herat province districts. The mortality rate among young people in the age group of 1–29 years was 0.4%, compared to 33% in the age group of 80–105 years. The mortality rate of COVID-19 patients associated with hypertension, diabetes, COPD, and cancer was 8.9%, 9.6%, 12.5%, and 18.2%, respectively. In the logistic regression results, age, gender, and COPD were significant variables for COVID-19 mortality. Conclusion: By providing more health service facilities to people in risk groups, especially in rural areas, we can decrease the mortality rate of COVID-19 and other diseases.