Clinical Findings and Risk Factors of COVID-19 Infection and Death in Elderly patients Admitted to Medical Centers of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences During 1 Year

Abstract

Objectives: The elderly are at higher risks for developing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Besides, when generating the illness, they have a higher risk of death. Recognizing clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality in the elderly is necessary to prevent mortality in similar infectious diseases. Methods & Materials: This descriptive research explored the data of all geriatrics admitted following COVID-19 in the medical centers affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. These data were collected from February 20, 2020, to February 20, 2021. Data analysis was performed by SPSS using logistic regression analysis. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the total 54523 patients admitted to the medical centers in the 12 months, 25218 patients were elderlies. In total, 51.05% and 12343 of the patients were female and male, respectively. In total, 3512 elderlies were expired. The death cases included 1814 (51.65%) males and the rest were females. Moreover, 16203 patients were in the age group of youngest-old, aged 60-75 years; 8270 patients were middle-old, 76-90 years; and the oldest-old category included 745 patients in the age group of ≥90 years. There was a significant relationship between age, gender, and COVID-19-induced death in the elderly (P<0.05). Older adults presented the highest death rate due to this disease Men were 10% more prone to die from COVID-19 than women. Major comorbidities recorded in this population were kidney diseases (92%), cancer (76%), diabetes (32%), and cardiovascular diseases (17%). Conclusion: Preventive measures to support the elderly are essential to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it is essential to focus on the specific health needs of the elderly, such as proper nutrition, wellbeing, and mental health promotion.