A Study on the Characteristic Features of Covid-19 Deaths in a Regional Hospital in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Authors

  • Kaswa RP
  • B Meel

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17723

Keywords:

Covid-19, diabetes, hypertension, HIV, oxygen

Abstract

Background: Covid-19 is an acute health emergency to human beings all over the world. This pandemic
has destabilised the day-to-day life of almost everyone. It is a challenge to scientists and politicians to
initiate a return to normal human life from the grip of Covid-19 so that the economies of countries do
not stop growing.
Objective: To study the characteristics of Covid-19 deaths in a regional hospital in Mthatha in the
Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Method: It is a retrospective record review study of the cases of patients in Mthatha Regional Hospital
(MRH) in South Africa who were not able to be saved.
Results: There were 100 deaths in MRH. Of these 57 (57%) were females and 43 (43%) males. The
average age was 63.3 years. Shortness of breath was the most common presenting symptom followed
by weakness, a cough and fever. More than half of the Covid-19 cases had associated co-morbidity such
as hypertension (50%), diabetes (37%) and HIV (15%). The mean oxygen saturation (SpO2) at the time
of admission was 75.5±17 on pulse oximetry.
Conclusion: The covid-19 mortality was 1.3 times higher among females in the regional hospital under
study. The majority of the victims were suffering hypertension and diabetes.

Author Biographies

  • Kaswa RP
    Kaswa RP Senior Lecturer Department of Family Medicine & Rural Health Walter Sisulu University
  • B Meel

    Professor MBBS, MD, DOH (Wits), DHSM (Natal), MPhil HIV/AIDS Management (Stellenbosch), Research
    Associate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6017 South Africa

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Published

2021-11-29

How to Cite

A Study on the Characteristic Features of Covid-19 Deaths in a Regional Hospital in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. (2021). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 16(1), 1554-1559. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17723