INCIDENCE AND PREDICTORS OF DEATH AMONG CEVERE COVID 19 PATIENTS AT HIWOT FANA SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITY Hospital TREATMENT CENTER, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

In Ethiopia, infection by the new corona virus strain SARS-CoV-2 and its related syndrome COVID-19 has been associated with more than seven thousand deaths. Patients of higher age and with preexisting chronic health conditions are at an increased risk of fatal disease outcome. There is scanty of evidence on predictors of mortality among hospitalized COVID 19 patients in the country, including the study area. Thus, it is crucial to know the level of the problem and its predictors to make informed decision. Objectives: To assess incidence and predictors of death among severe COVID 19 patients hospitalized at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital treatment center Harar, 2022. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cohort design was conducted on severe COVID 19 patients from May 1 to 30, 2022. The source of data for this study was record review and the medical records of all hospitalized sever COVID 19 patients with a confirmed positive COVID 19 result was included. The data were entered into Epi Data 3.1 and exported to STATA 14.2 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the variables in the study. Predictors of death were identified by Cox regression model and results of predictors were presented using adjusted hazard ratio with its 95% confidence interval. P value < 0.05 was used as a cut of point for statistical significance. Results: The incidence of death among severe covid-19 patients was 29 /1000 Person-Days. Of the study variables preexisting cardiovascular disease (AHR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.34)), presence of headache (AHR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.30) and altered consciousness (AHR=3.7, 95% CI: 1.62, 7.93) on admission and the taking of azithromycin (AHR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.48) were found to be independent predictors of death among COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The incidence of death among sever covid-19 patients was relatively high in the current study. Preexisting cardiovascular disease, presence of headache and altered consciousness at admission and requiring Azithromycin medication has statistically significant association with the death of COVID-19. Therefore, specific counseling and education programs focusing on patients with high risk factors need to be implemented to maximize implementation of preventive measures recommended by WHO and treatment of cardiovascular disease is important for prevention of covid-19 mortality.