Clinical characteristics and survival analysis of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Despite the end of the pandemic,  COVID-19 remains a disease of global concern. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and survival analysis of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Ogun State, Nigeria, with a view to providing evidence on the survival of hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Methods: The study examined the medical records of COVID-19 patients at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital COVID-19 Isolation Centre in Sagamu, Ogun State, between March and December 2020. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22, with chi-square tests for association and logistic regression for mortality predictors. Kaplan-Meier curves and Log-rank tests were used for survival analysis.

Results: The study involved 273 patients, with a mean age of 45.33±16.9 years. The majority were males, had symptoms (51.6%), and had SPO2 ≥ 94% (82.4%) at presentation. Most were discharged (94.1%), while 5.1% died. Over half presented with fever (55.3%) and cough (51.8%), and one-third had comorbidities. Most of those with comorbidities had hypertension (73.3%). The presence of two or more comorbid conditions (AOR 9.5, 95% CI 1.8 – 50.6; p = 0.008) and oxygen saturation less than 94% at admission (AOR 19.5, 95%CI 3.0 – 128.0; p = 0.002) were predictors of mortality. A significant difference was observed in the Kaplan-Meier curve regarding age group, symptom presence, comorbid conditions, and oxygen saturation at admission.

Conclusion: The study found higher mortality rates due to co-morbidities and low oxygen saturation at admission, emphasising the need for early diagnosis, prompt referral, and management of patients with co-morbidities.