Prevalence and factors associated with the death of older people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in the state of Paraná

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and to analyze the factors associated with the death of older people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in the state of Paraná. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted with secondary data from older people with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 living in the State of Paraná, collected from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021. Prevalence ratios were obtained by adjusting the regression model. Results: A total of 16,153 deaths of older people hospitalized in the State of Paraná were analyzed. The adjusted model revealed an association between death and some factors such as: belonging to the age group of 75 to 84 years (PR = 1.28; CI95% = 1.24–1.32) and 85 years or over (PR = 1.52; CI95% = 1.45–1.59); male (PR = 1.17; CI95% = 1.13–1.21); obesity (PR = 1.23; CI95% = 1.16–1.29); other morbidities (PR = 1.25; CI95% = 1.20–1.30); and having used ventilatory support (PR = 2.60; CI95% = 2.33–2.86). Older people vaccinated against influenza had a probability of death reduced by 11% (PR = 0.89; CI95% = 0.86–0.93). Conclusion: The association of age, sex, and diagnosis of previous comorbidities with unfavorable outcomes from Covid-19 was identified. Having received the flu vaccine provided protection to elderly people who contracted SARS-CoV-2.