Dana Tzur Bitan1,2, Israel Krieger2, Khalaf Kridin3, Doron Komantscher4, Yochai Scheinman4, Orly Weinstein4,5, Arnon Dov Cohen4,6, Assi Albert Cicurel7,8, Daniel Feingold1. 1. Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel. 2. Shalvata Mental Health Center, affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. 3. Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. 4. Department of Quality Measurements and Research, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel. 5. Hospital Division, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel. 6. Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. 7. Division of Planning and Strategy, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel. 8. Division of Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Individuals with schizophrenia may be at an increased risk for COVID-19 morbidity due to the disease characteristics. In this study, we aimed to explore the odds of significant COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among schizophrenia patients while controlling for potential sociodemographic and medical confounders. METHODS: Schizophrenia patients and age-and-sex matched controls (total n = 51 078) were assessed for frequency of COVID-19 positivity, hospitalizations, and mortality. The odds for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and mortality were calculated using logistic regression models, while controlling for age, sex, marital status, sector, socioeconomic status, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. RESULTS: Individuals with schizophrenia were less likely to test positive for COVID-19; however, they were twice as likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 (OR 2.15 95% CI 1.63-2.82, P < .0001), even after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical risk factors (OR 1.88 95% CI 1.39-2.55, P < .0001). Furthermore, they were 3 times more likely to experience COVID-19 mortality (OR 3.27 95% CI 1.39-7.68, P < .0001), compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence of associations between schizophrenia and increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality compared to controls regardless of sociodemographic and medical factors. As these patients present with a combination of potential risk factors for mortality, efforts should be made to minimize the effects of the pandemic on this vulnerable population.
OBJECTIVE: Individuals with schizophrenia may be at an increased risk for COVID-19 morbidity due to the disease characteristics. In this study, we aimed to explore the odds of significant COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among schizophreniapatients while controlling for potential sociodemographic and medical confounders. METHODS:Schizophreniapatients and age-and-sex matched controls (total n = 51 078) were assessed for frequency of COVID-19 positivity, hospitalizations, and mortality. The odds for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and mortality were calculated using logistic regression models, while controlling for age, sex, marital status, sector, socioeconomic status, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. RESULTS: Individuals with schizophrenia were less likely to test positive for COVID-19; however, they were twice as likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 (OR 2.15 95% CI 1.63-2.82, P < .0001), even after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical risk factors (OR 1.88 95% CI 1.39-2.55, P < .0001). Furthermore, they were 3 times more likely to experience COVID-19mortality (OR 3.27 95% CI 1.39-7.68, P < .0001), compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence of associations between schizophrenia and increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality compared to controls regardless of sociodemographic and medical factors. As these patients present with a combination of potential risk factors for mortality, efforts should be made to minimize the effects of the pandemic on this vulnerable population.
Authors: Marc De Hert; Victor Mazereel; Marc Stroobants; Livia De Picker; Kristof Van Assche; Johan Detraux Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2022-01-13 Impact factor: 4.157
Authors: Victor Mazereel; Tom Vanbrabant; Franciska Desplenter; Johan Detraux; Livia De Picker; Erik Thys; Ken Popelier; Marc De Hert Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2021-12-16 Impact factor: 4.157