Men Face Higher ICU Risk from Covid Than Women, Study Reveals

A comprehensive study conducted in Ireland has determined that men are almost twice as likely to be admitted to intensive care units (ICU) due to Covid-19 compared to women. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.4 million adults who tested positive for the virus between April 2020 and December 2022, highlights significant disparities in health outcomes based on gender, age, and pre-existing health conditions.

The findings, published by researchers from University College Dublin (UCD) and led by Professors Cecily Kelleher and Patricia Fitzpatrick, reveal that the average age of individuals who tested positive for Covid was 42, with 53% of those cases being male. Among the patients, 31,037 (2.2%) required hospitalization, while 4,432 (0.31%) were admitted to the ICU. The study also recorded a total of 10,855 deaths, highlighting the severe impact of the pandemic on public health.

Age and Underlying Conditions as Key Risk Factors

The research confirmed established scientific consensus that age and underlying health conditions are the most significant factors influencing both ICU admissions and mortality rates. The average age of patients who died from the virus was 75, significantly higher than the 59 years observed for those admitted to hospitals. Individuals with two or more metabolic diseases, including hypertension and diabetes, were found to be six times more likely to die and 14 times more likely to require ICU care.

According to the study, men faced a 1.8 times higher risk of ICU admission compared to women. Additionally, current and former smokers were more than twice as likely to be admitted to intensive care. The data emphasizes the critical need for targeted public health interventions to protect vulnerable populations.

The authors noted, “This comprehensive study confirmed international findings associated with poor outcomes in Covid. While clinical indications for ICU admission and overall mortality may differ among hospitalized patients, the main drivers of mortality are age, underlying conditions, and disease severity, irrespective of location.”

Public Health Implications and Future Considerations

Professor Kelleher emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “This reinforces that highly significant information about age and underlying conditions.” The study serves as a reminder that while many contracted Covid-19, younger individuals generally experienced less severe symptoms than their older counterparts.

The first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Ireland occurred on February 29, 2020, as reported by the then-chief medical officer, Dr. Tony Holohan. Since then, the severity of cases has ranged from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions.

The ongoing analysis underscores the necessity of protecting older individuals and those with pre-existing conditions, particularly in light of future health crises. As Professor Kelleher pointed out, “It’s clear that where you have a population of older people and those who are vulnerable, they must be protected.”

The rollout of vaccination programs has been deemed the most significant advancement during the pandemic, contributing to the mitigation of severe cases among at-risk populations. In addition, public health messages regarding smoking cessation and obesity management have become increasingly crucial in improving overall health outcomes.

While the current data pertains specifically to Covid-19, Professor Kelleher cautioned that future epidemics may present different challenges. She noted, “Covid-19 was a very significant epidemic strongly associated with age and underlying disease, but future viruses might have entirely different effects.”

As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, the findings from this extensive study provide valuable insights into the factors influencing health outcomes, reinforcing the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive health measures.