Epidemiology, Outcomes, and Associated Factors of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction–Confirmed Cases in the San Pedro Sula Metropolitan Area, Honduras

Abstract

Abstract Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Few reports exist in Latin America, a current epicenter of transmission. Here, we aim to describe the epidemiology and outcomes associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Honduras. Methods Baseline clinical and epidemiological information of SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction–confirmed cases detected between 17 March–4 May in the San Pedro Sula Metropolitan area was collected; for hospitalized cases, clinical data were abstracted. Logistic regression models were fit to determine the factors associated with hospitalization. Results We identified 877 COVID-19 cases, of which 25% (n = 220) were hospitalized. The 19–44-year age group (57.8%) and males (61.3%) were predominant in overall COVID-19 cases. Of the cases, 34% (n = 299) had at least 1 preexisting medical condition. Individuals aged 45–69 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.85–5.76) or ≥70 years (aOR = 9.12; 95% CI, 5.24–15.86), of male sex (aOR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21–2.44), and those with a preexisting condition (aOR = 2.12; 95% CI, 1.43–3.14) had higher odds of hospitalization. Of inpatients, 50% were hospitalized more than 7 days. The median length of hospitalization was 13 days (interquartile range [IQR], 8–29) among individuals aged 19–44 years, and 17 days (IQR, 11–24.6) among those aged 45–69. Of the fatal cases, 42% occurred among adults under 60 years old. Conclusions Our findings show that a high proportion of COVID-19 cases in Honduras occurred among younger adults, who also constituted a significant proportion of severe and fatal cases. Preexisting conditions were associated with severe outcomes independently from age and were highly prevalent in Honduran COVID-19 cases.