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

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the characteristics and outcomes of Covid-19 patients at Livingstone teaching hospital. Methods A 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. Results A 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). Conclusion HIV 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.