Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant challenge globally, particularly in conflict-affected and resource-limited settings such as Yemen. With an already fragile healthcare system, Yemen’s response to the pandemic has been hindered by prolonged conflict, health infrastructure collapse, and insufficient surveillance. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Hadramout Governorate, Yemen, to provide insights into mortality patterns and factors associated with severe disease.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 302 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases admitted to isolation unit in Hadramout Governorate between May and June 2020. Data were retrieved from verified records maintained by the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP). Demographic variables, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, and clinical outcomes (discharge, ongoing treatment, death) were analysed using SPSS version 23.0, with results presented as frequencies and percentages. 

Results: The highest percentage were males (67.5%), aged 45–69 years (52.6%). Those aged 70 years and above, exhibited higher mortality rates, with deaths reaching 47.8% among those aged 70–84 years and 46.2% in those 85 years and older. Common comorbidities included pneumonia (52.0%), hypertension (33.1%), diabetes mellitus (26.5%), and cardiovascular diseases (16.2%). Fever (86.8%), difficulty breathing (76.5%), and cough (73.8%) were the predominant presenting symptoms. Males accounted for 75% of all deaths, Overall, advanced age and the presence of comorbidities were associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion: This study highlights that older age, male gender, and underlying chronic comorbidities among hospitalized COVID-19 patients are major characteristics linked to poor COVID-19 outcomes. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies, especially in current health system, to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks and pandemics. Strengthening primary healthcare services and healthcare capacity is critical to improve clinical outcomes in conflict-affected settings.

Keywords: COVID-19, Mortality, Comorbidities, Yemen, Hadramout, Clinical Outcomes.

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