EFFECT OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL FACTORS ON LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY FOR ADULT DENGUE PATIENTS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, JAKARTA, INDONESIA

Abstract

Dengue infection is prevalent, yet data on factors associated with prolonged hospital stays are limited.  This study aimed to identify factors related to prolonged hospital stays in adult patients admitted with dengue infection at a tertiary hospital.  We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study utilizing secondary data from medical records between 2020 and 2024.  Clinically confirmed dengue patients were divided into two groups based on hospital stay duration, namely ≤4 days and >4 days.  We compared clinical and laboratory characteristics using appropriate statistical methods.  Of the 272 patients, 48% had prolonged hospital stays, with a mean hospital stay of 4.7 ± 1.6 days.  Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.08) had an increased likelihood of prolonged hospital stays.  Patients admitted to the hospital after 4 days of illness had a 0.27 lower likelihood of experiencing prolonged hospital stays.  Nadir platelet counts <20×103 cells/µl, low white blood cell counts, vomiting, and low hemoglobin level were predictors of prolonged hospital stay (aORs = 3.47, 2.74, 1.93, and 1.92, respectively).  Our research indicated that comorbidities of adult dengue patients, viz low hemoglobin, low platelet and white blood cell counts, and vomiting, are significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay, factors that the attending clinicians should take into consideration.