Diabetes and respiratory diseases as comorbid conditions in COVID-19 patients from Kazakhstan: a retrospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and respiratory diseases are prevalent in Central Asia, and their prevention represents an opportunity to increase life expectancy in the region, especially in Kazakhstan. This study aims to analyze trends in the prevalence of diabetes and respiratory diseases as comorbidities in patients with recent COVID-19 infections, based on the information obtained from several clinics in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

METHODS

This study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis using de-identified electronic medical records from a multidisciplinary hospital in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 during 2021-2022 were included (N = 292; mean age 55 years, range 18-91). Continuous variables were summarized with means and standard deviations, and categorical variables with counts and percentages. Data extraction and statistical analyses were performed in September-December 2023.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was higher among patients with pneumonia (16.8%) compared to chronic bronchitis (10.6%). We identified a high level of comorbidity with diabetes (35.3% in the 45-59 age group) and chronic respiratory disease (37.9% in the same group).

DISCUSSION: The mortality and comorbidity rates for hospitalized patients with recent COVID-19 infections in Almaty were high in comparison to other middle-income countries. These findings underscore the need for targeted early prevention strategies and public health interventions to address the rising burden of chronic diseases in Kazakhstan, particularly among middle-aged adults.