Factors associated with mortality among patients aged 12 years and above requiring hospitalization for severe respiratory illness (SRI): Findings from the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness evaluation in Kenya and Mali, 2022-2023.

Abstract

Mortality attributed to respiratory illnesses is well characterized in children 64 years were more likely to die (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.36; 95 % Confidence Interval [95 % CI] 1.72-3.24). Patients who were in coma (aOR = 3.45; 95 %CI 2.27-5.24) or Intensive Care Unit (aOR = 2.98; 95 %CI 2.06-4.31), or had HIV infection (aOR = 2.47; 95 %CI 2.11-2.90), liver disease (aOR = 2.42; 95 %CI 1.57-3.74), cancer (aOR = 2.09; 95 %CI 1.46-2.99) or SARS-CoV-2 infected (aOR = 1.24; 95 %CI 1.02-1.52) were at increased risk of death. Additionally, diarrhea, malaise/fatigue, difficulty in breathing, confusion, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor support, malnutrition and admission to High Dependency Unit had significant associations. Mortality was heightened among SRI patients who were older, required critical care, had chronic conditions and infected with SARS-CoV-2 suggesting need for early identification of these conditions to improve possible treatment outcomes. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.