Background
Although pathogenesis and pattern of disease are still not completely understood, tactical management of overcrowding of hospitals and rational usage of resources is the need of the hour.
Material & Methods
Retrospective data of 6918 COVID-19 positive cases from SCB Medical College & Hospital, India, were obtained from the hospital records from March 2020 to January 2021. The patients' age, gender, symptoms, and comorbidities were analyzed against their hospital stay using R software (version 4.0.2).
Results
Elderly patients (> 65 years) had a higher rate (91.22%) of prolonged hospital stay as compared to others (47.61%). Frequently observed symptoms (in decreasing order) were fever (73.93%), cough (67.52%), myalgia (62.11%), dyspnea (49.59%), dizziness (47.38%), and anosmia (44.10%). The risk of prolonged hospitalization was highest with dyspnea [odds ratio: 2.29 (95 % confidence interval: 2.07–2.52)], followed by diarrhea [OR 1.98 (CI 1.77–2.21)], fever [OR 1.89 (CI 1.69–2.10)], anosmia [OR 1.86 (CI 1.69–2.05)], and dizziness [OR 1.46 (CI 1.32–1.60)]. The rate of hospitalization for more than seven days was highest with diabetes (86.80%), followed by respiratory illnesses (71.85%) and hypertension (71.28%).
Conclusion
These findings can help manage patients based on their symptoms and comorbidities before admission.
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