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
Ministry of Health and Wellness Kingston Jamaica Ministry of Health and Wellness, Kingston, Jamaica.
Southern Regional Health Authority Ministry of Health and Wellness Mandeville Jamaica Southern Regional Health Authority, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mandeville, Jamaica.
Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2024 Apr 4;48:e36. doi: 10.26633/RPSP.2024.36. eCollection 2024.
OBJECTIVES: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.
Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2024-4-4
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