Impact and evolution of risk factors associated with hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 during the six epidemic waves in Mexico

Objectives: This study aims to analyze and compare the main risk factors for hospitalization and deaths due to COVID-19 during the six epidemic waves from February 2020 to June 2023 in Mexico.

Methods: First, a descriptive analysis of the risk factors that led to hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 was performed. Next, the degree of relationship of each risk factor with hospitalization and death was determined using Cramer's V coefficient. Finally, logistic regression models were applied to estimate the odds ratios of the most statistically significant risk factors for hospitalization and mortality.

Results: A direct relationship between age and the possibility of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 was found. Moreover, the comorbidities most likely to lead to hospitalization and death were pneumonia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and CKD. It is also remarkable that the second factor of death is endotracheal intubation.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico revealed the reality of an epidemiological scenario where infectious diseases and chronic degenerative diseases coexist and interrelate.