Impact and risk factors related to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in older adults

Abstract

Objective: To identify and describe the risk factors that increase susceptibility in older adults to infection by . Material and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study in adults over 60 years, patients with a positive result (RT-PCR) were analysed to detect SARS-CoV-2. The study was carried out from May 17 to July 21, 2020. A multiple logistic regression model was used to analyse the risk factors of the study population. Results: 102 older adults were included with a mean age of 82.5 ± 8.8 years, 55 (54%) were positive and 47 (46%) were negative. When analysing the risk factors related to higher mortality coupled with Covid-19 infection, the statistically significant variable was frailty, with an OR of 11.6 in frail adults compared to robust individuals (p-value = 0.024.) Conclusion: In the vulnerable population, risk factors must be identified and treated, but above all, such factors must be prevented in advance; early detection, isolation, effective treatment must be carried out as well as follow-up of contacts and prevention of the spread of the new virus to reduce mortality in vulnerable groups.