Factors associated with readmission for community-onset pneumonia among older people: A retrospective study

Background

Although older individuals are prone to pneumonia relapse, little real-world evidence is available on the main factors contributing to pneumonia recurrence. This study assessed the impact of patients’ lifestyles on hospital readmission due to pneumonia recurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively included consecutive patients (aged ≥65 years) who were admitted for community-onset pneumonia. A binary or multiple-choice postal questionnaire survey on lifestyles after hospitalization was conducted to identify the factors associated with readmission due to pneumonia recurrence.

Results

Of 117 patients who responded to the questionnaires, 89 were included in the analyses after excluding 28 patients who died within 1 year of discharge. Twenty-four of 89 (27%) patients were readmitted to the hospital for pneumonia within 1 year of discharge. Multivariate analysis revealed that cerebrovascular disease (odds ratio [OR], 3.912; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.104–13.861; p = 0.035) and need of assistance at mealtime (OR, 2.225; 95% CI, 1.182–4.186; p = 0.013) were significantly associated with readmission due to pneumonia recurrence. Oral care and mealtime body position were not associated with readmission.

Conclusions

Host factors, not patients’ lifestyles such as oral care and body position, mainly contribute to the development of pneumonia among older people. These results should be considered risk factors for readmission by medical workers and family members.