Demographic and clinical characteristics of deceased COVID-19 Patients in Oromia Region, Ethiopia: a retrospective record review

Background: The mortality due to COVID-19 in low-income settings has been grossly underestimated. The gap in the estimated deaths as the cause of COVID-19 and observed deaths in Africa requires further investigation. Hence, we aimed to assess the socio- demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory profiles of patients who died from COVID-19 at the treatment centers in the Oromia region, Ethiopia.Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted from all health facilities that reported more than ten COVID-19 deaths from April 2020 to November 2021 in Oromia. CSPro Data Entry and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively.Result: Of the 594 COVID-19 deaths reported during the study period, 454 (76.4%) were captured in nine health facilities. Of the 454 participants, 288 (63.4%) were men and 192 (42.3%) were over 60 years. Cough and shortness of breath were the most prevalent symptoms. Cough and shortness of breath were the most prevalent symptoms. Upon presentation, 394 (97.28%) exhibited tachypnea, 78 (27.56%) had a fever, and 366 (84.92%) had oxygen saturation levels below 92%. At least one comorbidity was present in 60% of the individuals. The median length of stay in the facility before death was five days (IQR 2–8). Common laboratory tests include complete blood counts, renal function and liver function tests. In 35(15%) of cases, the estimated glomerular filtration rate was <30 ml/min/1.73 m2. Neutrophilia was in 83.9% of cases, lymphocytosis in 2.6% and elevated creatinine in 35%. Chest X-ray was the frequently used imaging modality with opacity was the most common finding. Antibiotics and steroids were administered primarily.Conclusion: Most of the cases had comorbidity and were older aged. However, a quarter of patients were less than 45 years and two-fifths of patients had no known comorbidity. Strengthening vaccine acceptance across all age groups has paramount importance in preventing the severity of disease and death.