PREVALENCE, ETIOLOGIES, AND PROGNOSIS OF FEVER IN OLDER ADULTS HOSPITALIZED AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN BURKINA FASO

Abstract

Background: Febrile illnesses pose a significant health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among vulnerable older adults. This study investigates the prevalence, etiologies, and prognosis of febrile illnesses at Bogodogo University Hospital.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged 60 years and older admitted between January 2019 and December 2020 with a fever. Sociodemographic, clinical, and paraclinical data, along with fever etiology, length of hospital stay, and mortality, were analyzed.
Results: Of 1563 hospitalized older adults, 252 (16.12%) presented with fever. The most frequent community-acquired infections were pulmonary diseases (20.4%), malaria (12.2%), and skin and soft tissue infections (9.8%). Infectious causes accounted for 75.4% of cases. The median length of hospital stay was 8 days. Mortality rate was 23.8%, significantly associated with length of hospital stay (p=0.016).
Conclusion: Febrile illnesses are common among older adults hospitalized at Bogodogo University Hospital, predominantly due to infectious etiologies. Mortality is high, highlighting the need for timely and appropriate management.