Mortality-related risk factors for COVID-19 in Manipur: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a relatively high mortality rate in comparison to previous viral outbreaks. Studies revealed that the presence of underlying comorbidities increases the risk of infection and worsens the prognosis. Improving the health of the population could also help in being prepared for future pandemics. Objective: The objective of the study is to describe the factors associated with COVID-19 deaths across the three waves. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care institute in Imphal. This study included 541 cases of COVID-19-related deaths across the three waves. Data included clinical symptoms, oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels, blood pressure level, pulse rate, and history of comorbidity. Demographic and baseline characteristics of the patients were summarized using a median with interquartile ranges (IQR) for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Results: A majority of deaths (87.9%) were reported in the second wave with a variation in the pattern of clinical symptoms across the pandemic waves. The median (IQR) of the cases was 63 (52–75) years, with 58.8% being male and 70.4% having comorbidities. Symptoms like dyspnea (71.9%) were prevalent across all waves, and the incidence of generalized weakness was higher in the second (55.7%) and third waves (54.2%). The incidence of fever peaked in the second wave (47.3%). Conclusion: More than four-fifths of the deaths occurred during the second wave. The older age group with male preponderance consisting of smokers and those consuming alcohol and with comorbidities had a higher number of deaths. The findings highlighted the need for continuous monitoring and responsive healthcare approaches to preparedness for future pandemics.