Risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in Jamaica: a cross-sectional study of national surveillance data

• Published in: Revista panamericana de salud pública Vol. 48; no. 36; p. e36
• Main Authors: Webster-Kerr, Karen, Grant, Andriene, Harris, Ardene, Thorpe, Romae, Rowe, Daidre, Henningham, Deborah, Mullings, Tanielle, Wellington, Iyanna, Wiggan, Jovan, Gordon-Johnson, Kelly Ann, Lord, Carol, Dawkins-Beharie, Tonia, Azille-Lewis, Jemma, Duncan, Jacqueline
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Organización Panamericana de la Salud 01-01-2024; Pan American Health Organization
• Subjects: caribbean region; communicable diseases, emerging; covid-19; diagnosis of health situation; epidemiological monitoring; Health Policy & Services; Original Research; sars-cov-2; COVID-19; epidemiological monitoring; diagnosis of health situation; SARS-COV-2; Caribbean region; communicable diseases, emerging; diagnóstico de la situación de salud; enfermedades transmisibles emergentes; diagnóstico da situação de saúde; monitoreo epidemiológico; monitoramento epidemiológico; região do Caribe; región del Caribe; doenças não transmissíveis
• ISSN: 1020-4989; 1680-5348; 1680-5348
• DOI: 10.26633/RPSP.2024.36

To describe the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 cases in Jamaica and to explore the risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 from 9 March to 31 December 2020.
A cross-sectional analysis of national surveillance data was conducted using confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jamaica. Definitions of a confirmed case, disease severity, and death were based on World Health Organization guidelines. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to determine association with outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of severe COVID-19.
This analysis included 12 169 cases of COVID-19 (median age, 36 years; 6 744 females [ 55.4%]) of which 512 cases (4.2%) presented with severe disease, and of those, 318 patients (62.1%) died (median age at death, 71.5 years). Severe disease was associated with being male (OR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7) and 40 years or older (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 5.1-8.2). COVID-19 death was also associated with being male (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7), age 40 years or older (OR, 17.9; 95% CI, 11.6-27.7), and in the Western versus South East Health Region (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3).
The findings of this cross-sectional analysis indicate that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica were more likely to be female and younger individuals, whereas COVID-19 deaths occurred more frequently in males and older individuals. There is increased risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes beginning at age 40, with males disproportionately affected. COVID-19 death also varied by geographic region. This evidence could be useful to other countries with similar settings and to policymakers charged with managing outbreaks and health.