Modeling the Impact of Factors Associated with Delay in Healthcare Seeking on the Survival of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The delay between the onset of initial symptoms and hospitalization is a critical issue in the context of COVID-19 awareness. Objectives: This study aims to identify the factors influencing the delay in healthcare-seeking among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on all patients hospitalized from 2020 to 2022 in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression were used to establish the relationship between referral delay and various variables. Results: This study was conducted on 38,124 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, with an average age of 25.27 ± 49.61 years. The mean duration of hospitalization and patient care was 4.67 ± 4.33 days. The average delay in seeking healthcare was 3.68 ± 3.67 days, and 75.6% of the cases with delay sought care at health and treatment centers. Those who experienced a delay in seeking care [2.09 (1.98 - 2.20, P = 0.01)] were more likely to be hospitalized. Individuals with a history of hypertension [2.46 (2.25 - 2.67, P = 0.001)] and diabetes [1.13 (1.05 - 1.22, P = 0.001)] had a higher chance of delay compared to their respective counterparts. Those with a positive lung scan [8.25 (7.59 - 8.97, P = 0.001)] had a higher chance of delay, and patients with abnormal radiological findings [3.18 (2.86 - 3.54, P = 0.001)] were more likely to experience a delay in seeking care. Conclusions: Delay in seeking care at healthcare centers during COVID-19 infection depends on gender, place of residence, occupation, individuals' history of chronic disease, and other demographic variables, as well as the onset of initial disease symptoms.