Impacts of Obesity on Development of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia among IPD Patients Admitted to Field Hospital: A retrospective cohort study in Saraburi province

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine impacts of obesity on development of severe COVID-19 pneumonia among IPD patients admitted to a field hospital, Saraburi province. Methods: This study used a retrospective cohort study design. Populations: A total of 1,183 COVID-19 patients admitted to a field hospital, Saraburi province were selected using stratified sampling technique using BMI level as a selection criteria. Research tools: Data were collected using forms  included information on baseline information, severity and clinical outcomes). Research period: The study was conducted between July 26, 2021 and November 23, 2021. Study methods: The data were from Saraburi hospital medical record database. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the impact of obesity on development of severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Results: Obesity (BMI≥25 kg/m²), grade 1 obesity (BMI=25-29.9 kg/m²), and grade 2 obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m²) was associated with risks of developing severe pneumonia with OR=4.2 (95% CI=2.0-8.7; p<0.001), 5.0 (95% CI=2.2-11.3; p<0.001), and 3.6 (95% CI, 1.6-8.1; p=0.002), respectively. Other factors contributing to developing severe pneumonia were being patient aged ≥ 60-79 years (OR=3.2, 95% CI=1.7-6.0, p<0.001), being patient aged ≥ 80 years (OR=35.6, 95% CI=9.7-130.9, p<0.001), being male (OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.1-3.6, p=0.017), having shortness of breath at admission (OR=3.8, 95% CI=2.2-7.2, p<0.001) and having history of at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine (OR=0.1, 95% CI=0.01-0.70, p=0.022).