CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH COVID-19: EVIDENCE FROM A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the characteristics and outcomes of Covid-19 patients at Livingstone teaching hospital.MethodsA database cross sectional review of COVID 19 patients at Livingstone Teaching Hospital. Data on demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained along with the comorbidities presented with by the patients using a structured data collection form. Data were analysed using STATA 64. Mann-Whitney and t-test were used on continuous independent variables. Chi-square test was used to determine associations between two categorical variables. Logistic regression was used to control for confounders.ResultsA total of 222 (62.54%) were male and 133 (37.46%) were female. Discharged were 274 (77.18%), while 81 (22.82%) died. Among those who died were the older clients with a median age of 65 (p <0.001). The median interquartile range (IQR)] age was 48.5 years. Patients presented with a cough 180 (50.7%), chest pain 123 (34.65%) and shortness of breath 121 (34.04%). Statistically significant comorbidities recorded included Hypertension 121 (34.08%), Diabetes mellitus 69 (19.44%), and HIV 38 (10.7%). The most prevalent underlying condition observed was hypertension 121 (34.08).ConclusionHIV positive and diabetics had an increased odds of succumbing to COVID-19 death. It is recommended that targeted policies should be considered the risky groups.