The Relationship Between Age, Sex, and Comorbidities with the Degree of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Children at the Hajj Adam Malik Central General Hospital in Medan

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly impacted various age groups, including children. The severity of COVID-19 in pediatric patients is influenced by multiple factors, such as age, gender, and the presence of comorbidities. This study analyzes the relationship between these factors and the severity of COVID-19 in children at the Haji Adam Malik Central General Hospital Medan. Using a cross-sectional analytical observational design with a retrospective approach, the study utilizes secondary data from patient medical records to assess demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and the severity of COVID-19 in pediatric cases. The research was conducted from March 2024 to July 2024, focusing on pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period. The results show that there is no significant relationship between age and sex with the severity of the disease. However, comorbidities such as heart and blood vessel disorders, gastrointestinal and urinary tract diseases, and nervous system disorders were found to significantly influence the severity of COVID-19, with children having these comorbidities experiencing higher severity and mortality rates. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between comorbidities and the severity of COVID-19 in children, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers in improving management and treatment strategies for pediatric COVID-19 patients.