Effects of Comorbidities on Lassa Fever: A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis of Cases Admitted in a Lassa Fever Research Institute in Nigeria (2019-2023)

Background: Co-morbidities in Lassa fever refers to the presence of other underlying medical conditions or diseases in individuals infected with the virus. These co-morbidities can significantly affect the progression and outcome of Lassa fever, making it a complex and challenging infectious disease to control. Objective: To determine the effects of Co-morbidities on Lassa fever and it's management between 2019-2023 in a Lassa Fever Research Institute in Nigeria. Methodology: This study was conducted at the Lassa Fever Research Institute at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) in Edo State, Nigeria. It engaged a retrospective cross-sectional design and employed a systematic sampling technique. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 21.0 software for descriptive statistics. Associations were tested using the Chi-square test, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The study found that Lassa fever had no specificity for age as it affected individuals across a wide age range (18-78 years), with the highest incidence in the 47-57 year age group. Hypertension was the most common comorbid condition (30%), followed by peptic ulcer disease (20%). Ribavirin was the main stay of treatment used. The analysis showed no significant relationship between comorbidities and mortality, as the majority of cases (85%) had outstanding outcomes. However, there was a significant relationship (p=0.04) between the level of education and outcomes, with most individuals having a tertiary education and experiencing positive outcomes. Conclusion: According to this study, it was discovered that there were no significant relationship between co morbidities and mortality as majority of the cases reviewed were seen to have good outcomes with the aid of the current treatment (ribavirin).