The Most Common Causes of Hospitalization among Elderly Patients in the Infectious Disease Ward: a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: As the incidence of infections rises in older adults, costs and prolonged hospitalization due to these diseases also increase. Consequently, this study aims to identify the infectious causes that lead to hospitalization among elderly patient. Methods: The present study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. The statistical population consisted of elderly individuals aged over 65 years who were hospitalized in the infectious disease ward of Imam Reza Hospital between the years 2015-1400. Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist, completed by reviewing the information in the patients' file. Findings: In the current study, 2,092 elderly individuals were examined. The most important infectious causes for hospitalization among the elderly were pneumonia (33.1), urinary tract infections (22.0), diabetic foot ulcers (19.5), and COVID-19 (9.1). Of the hospitalized elderly patients, 56.6 were male. Additionally, 33.6 had high blood pressure, and 12.1 had diabetes. The mean age of the participants was 75.2 ± 15.7 years, and the average length of hospitalization was 7.2 ± 3.1 days. The most common clinical symptoms reported upon admission included sputum production (51.4), shortness of breath (48.8), and chills (35.5). Conclusion: The study's results indicate that infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, diabetic foot ulcers, and COVID-19 are most important causes of hospitalization in the elderly. Therefore, it is recommended that therapeutic interventions and management policies be developed for these infections. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.