Characteristics of COVID-19 patients and risk factors of mortality in the early times of pandemic, Herat-Afghanistan

Abstract

Objective: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause different types of diseases. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors for mortality based on comorbidity and socio-demographic characteristics among COVID-19 patients. 
 
 Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted in Herat, Afghanistan, from February 24 to July 5, 2020, used data provided by the public health department, including socio-demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, hospitalization, contact history, and COVID-19 test type. The Chi-square test was used to observe differences between categorical variables. In bivariate analysis, all independent variables with a significant p-value were put into the model. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 
 
 Results: The study analyzed 11,183 COVID-19 cases, with a 53.5% positivity rate. Recovery rates in the city and Herat province districts were 96.2% and 94.7%, respectively. Case-fatality rates varied with age, with 0.4% for those aged 1-29 and 33% for those aged 80-105. Mortality rates were highest for those with COPD and cancer, at 12.5% and 18.2%, respectively. In the logistic regression results, age, gender, and COPD were significant variables for COVID-19 mortality. 
 
 Conclusion: By providing more health service facilities to people in risk groups, especially in rural areas, the mortality rate of COVID-19 and other diseases can be decreased.