Death risk among COVID-19 patients in Yazd, Iran: a hospital-based case-cohort study

The COVID-19 epidemic control has become a global challenge and many contributing variables are still unknown to policymakers. This case-cohort study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of mortality in COVID-19 patients.

This case-cohort study was conducted on 1465 samples in Yazd Province in the first six months of 2020. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and chi-square, and Cox regression analysis.

Of a total cohort population of 1465, 1236 were assigned to the control group and 229 were assigned to the case group. The results of multiple Cox regression showed that increasing one year of age increases the chance of death by 2.7% (HR = 1.027, P <0.001). Having cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic neurological disease, chronic lung disease and malignancy increases the chance of death. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit had a 200% higher risk of death than others (HR = 3.009, P <0.001).

The results showed a higher mortality rate in elderly patients as well as those with underlying diseases. Attention should be paid to at-risk and elderly patients in terms of ensuring a healthy diet, improving their self-care practices, and providing long-term medical and healthcare facilities.