Association between Socio-demographic and Clinical Factors and Health Outcomes among COVID-19 Patients in a Community Hospital in Alabama

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic put an unprecedented burden on the hospital system in the USA, however, limited data is available from southern states. Objective: The current study was conducted to evaluate the health outcomes and inpatient costs of COVID-19 patients in a community hospital in central Alabama. Methods: The demographic and clinical data were obtained for patients admitted from March 2020 to March 2022, with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19. Mortality rate, Length of Stay (LOS) at the hospital, total hospital cost and discharge disposition were analyzed against demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. Results: A cohort of 2135 adult patients with a total of 2222 admissions were selected. Mean age of the cohort was 61.27 years, with 51.33% females. Average LOS was 10.06 days and mean hospital cost was $20226. African Americans had shorter LOS and lower total hospital cost. Patients with older age, obesity, more comorbidities, and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) had significantly longer LOS and total higher hospital cost. White patients, older patients, and patients with comorbidities, as well as patients with obesity or ESRD, had higher mortality rate and greater likelihood to be discharged to rehab or skilled nursing facility, instead of home care. Conclusion: The study reveals how demographics and comorbidities are associated with longer LOS, higher hospital cost and higher mortality, among the patients admitted to a community hospital in central Alabama. The results would facilitate early assessment of disease prognosis upon admission and efficient resource allocation and discharge planning.