Mortality Risk Factors in Patients with COVID-19 Infection: A Case-Control Study in Northeast of Iran

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 is a new disease and little information is available on its risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine the mortality risk factors in patients with COVID-19 in the northeast of Iran.     Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted. Patients of both sexes with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 infection who died during the study were studied as the case group and patients who were in good general health and ready for discharge were studied as the control group. Data analysis was performed with the STATA software version 14 using descriptive statistics and univariate and multiple logistic regression tests.   Results: Six hundred and eleven patients were studied (27% cases and 73% controls). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of death were 2.8 times higher in patients over 80 years compared to patients aged 50-60 years. In addition, age under 40 years reduced the odds of mortality by 85% and living in rural areas increased odds of death by 2.2 times. Cough, general fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting increased the odds of COVID19 survival.   Conclusion: The odds of mortality were higher in elder patients with COVID-19. In addition, living in rural areas increased the odds of mortality in patients. Cough and fatigue reduced mortality; however, it is needed to address other hidden factors for sound judgment.