CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF COVID 19 PATIENTS AT LIVINGSTONE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background

COVID-19, an acute respiratory infectious disease transmitted through the respiratory tract, is a strain of coronaviruses and of zoonotic origins. The virus is widespread and has been declared a globe pandemic. As a result of no prior immunological exposure to SARS-COV-2, the human population is vulnerable to infection and disease. It is as such imperative that empirical evidence be provided bases on data from admitting Health facilities.

Objective

To determine the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted at Livingstone Teaching Hospital.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that involved reviewing the hospital records of COVID-19 patients at Livingstone Teaching Hospital in Zambia's Southern Province. A structured data collection form was used to gather information on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities.

Results

From a total of 355 clients, 222 (62.54%) were male and 133 (37.46%) were female. Discharged 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

Older age was associated with greater odds of COVID-19 infection. The main clinical manifestations of COVID-19 were cough, chest pain and shortness of breath. Our study findings highlight that older age, HIV positive status and the presence of Diabetes Mellitus are independent risk factors even after adjusting for other variables.