biostudies-literatureUnknown10(12)Elimian KO<h4>Objective</h4>Despite the increasing disease burden, there is a dearth of context-specific evidence on the risk factors for COVID-19 positivity and subsequent death in Nigeria. Thus, the study objective was to identify context-specific factors associated with testing positive for COVID-19 and fatality in Nigeria.<h4>Design</h4>Retrospective cohort study.<h4>Setting</h4>COVID-19 surveillance and laboratory centres in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory reporting data to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.<h4>Participants</h4>Individuals who were investigated for SARS-CoV-2 using real-time PCR testing during the study period 27 February-8 June 2020.<h4>Methods</h4>COVID-19 positivity and subsequent mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with both outcome variables, and findings are presented as adjusted ORs (aORs) and 95% CIs.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 36 496 patients were tested for COVID-19, with 10 517 confirmed cases. Of 3215 confirmed cases with available clinical outcomes, 295 died. Factors independently associated with COVID-19 positivity were older age (p value for trend<0.0001), male sex (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.18) and the following presenting symptoms: cough (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.32), fever (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.71), loss of smell (aOR 7.78, 95% CI 5.19 to 11.66) and loss of taste (aOR 2.50, 95% CI 1.60 to 3.90). An increased risk of mortality following COVID-19 was observed in those aged ≥51 years, patients in farming occupation (aOR 7.56, 95% CI 1.70 to 33.53) and those presenting with cough (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.01), breathing difficulties (aOR 5.68, 95% CI 3.77 to 8.58) and vomiting (aOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.33 to 4.84).<h4>Conclusion</h4>The significant risk factors associated with COVID-19 positivity and subsequent mortality in the Nigerian population are similar to those reported in studies from other countries and should guide clinical decisions for COVID-19 testing and specialist care referrals.BMJ opene044079https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7747485biostudies-literaturePatient characteristics associated with COVID-19 positivity and fatality in Nigeria: retrospective cohort study.PMC7747485Ogunbode OOchu CLCrawford EEMohammed AAAruna OOlayinka AOladejo JMba NUsman RUsman MDan-Nwafor COlawepo OANwadiuto IElimian KOVenkatesan SNgishe SUkponu WMyles PEbhodaghe BAderinola OYusuff HAIlori EAbubakar IAtteh RSuleiman KObagha CIhekweazu CNwachukwu WIgumbor EfalsePatient characteristics associated with COVID-19 positivity and fatality in Nigeria: retrospective cohort study.<h4>Objective</h4>Despite the increasing disease burden, there is a dearth of context-specific evidence on the risk factors for COVID-19 positivity and subsequent death in Nigeria. Thus, the study objective was to identify context-specific factors associated with testing positive for COVID-19 and fatality in Nigeria.<h4>Design</h4>Retrospective cohort study.<h4>Setting</h4>COVID-19 surveillance and laboratory centres in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory reporting data to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.<h4>Participants</h4>Individuals who were investigated for SARS-CoV-2 using real-time PCR testing during the study period 27 February-8 June 2020.<h4>Methods</h4>COVID-19 positivity and subsequent mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with both outcome variables, and findings are presented as adjusted ORs (aORs) and 95% CIs.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 36 496 patients were tested for COVID-19, with 10 517 confirmed cases. Of 3215 confirmed cases with available clinical outcomes, 295 died. Factors independently associated with COVID-19 positivity were older age (p value for trend<0.0001), male sex (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.18) and the following presenting symptoms: cough (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.32), fever (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.71), loss of smell (aOR 7.78, 95% CI 5.19 to 11.66) and loss of taste (aOR 2.50, 95% CI 1.60 to 3.90). An increased risk of mortality following COVID-19 was observed in those aged ≥51 years, patients in farming occupation (aOR 7.56, 95% CI 1.70 to 33.53) and those presenting with cough (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.01), breathing difficulties (aOR 5.68, 95% CI 3.77 to 8.58) and vomiting (aOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.33 to 4.84).<h4>Conclusion</h4>The significant risk factors associated with COVID-19 positivity and subsequent mortality in the Nigerian population are similar to those reported in studies from other countries and should guide clinical decisions for COVID-19 testing and specialist care referrals.2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Dec2025-04-26T04:21:48.583Z2024-11-14T23:02:12.338ZS-EPMC77474853333484210.1136/bmjopen-2020-044079