ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lagos State has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria. We assessed the factors predicting the length of hospital stay of COVID-19 patients admitted in 15 isolation centres across the state. METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of all COVID-19 patients admitted and discharged between February 27, 2020, and September 30, 2020. Logistic and linear regressions were used to assess factors predicting the length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 3153 records were reviewed, of which 2623 (83.2%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients admitted was 40.5 (Sd 14.8) years. The age range was four days-97 years. A total of 1258 (48.0%) were symptomatic, while 2056 (78.4%) and 567 (21.6%) presented with mild and severe disease, respectively. Cough (22.0%), fever (17.3%) and breathlessness (12.3%) were the most common symptoms at presentation. Generally, the median length of hospital stay was 11 (IQR 9, 14) days. A total of 1609 (61.3%) had a prolonged length of hospital stay. The odds for prolonged hospital stay was higher among elderly patients (AOR 12.1 95%CI 7.6-19.4, p<0.001), male (AOR 1.2 95%CI 1.0-1.4, p=0.031) and patients with severe disease (AOR 1.3 95% CI 1.0-1.7, p=0.042). Age, hypertension and shortness of breath made the most significant contribution to predicting the length of hospital stay (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Age, gender, hypertension and breathlessness predicted the length of hospital stay. Proactive measures should be instituted in managing COVID-19 patients.
ABSTRACT
Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and sources of COVID-19 information among Nigerian youths. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 817 National Youth Service Corps members. Participants' overall general knowledge about COVID-19 was assessed using nine questions that consisted of general knowledge on the cause, origin, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, availability of a potent vaccine and specific therapy, prevention strategies of COVID-19 and knowledge of proper handwashing practices. P-values <0.05 were statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 24.1±2 years, 317 (41.2%) were males, and 73 (8.9%) had studied a health-related course. Of the 754 respondents who responded to the COVID-19 knowledge questions, 187 (24.8%) had general knowledge about COVID-19, while 280 (37.1%) had knowledge in all domains;mode of spread, symptoms and signs, and prevention of COVID- 19. Among the respondents, 129 (40.7%) males had satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 (P=0.070), while 38 participants (52.1%) who had studied a health-related course had satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 (P=0.003). Regarding the knowledge of hand washing, 184 (58%) males displayed satisfactory knowledge (P=0.007). Social media (64.4%) and television (58%) were the main sources of COVID-19 information. Respondents who had studied a health-related course were twice likely to have satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 (AOR=2, 95% CI=1.25-2.5 P=0.003, ) and six times likely to have satisfactory knowledge of hand washing (AOR=5.6, 95% CI=3.3-10.0, P≤0.0001). Conclusion: Utilization of both social media and the mainstream mass media in disseminating health education information and correcting fake news and misconceptions is needed. Health promotion strategies should be organized for all youths, especially among those who have no previous education in the health and allied courses. © 2021 Shriaz University of Medical Sciences. All right reserved.