Hospitalizations for Pandemic Influenza in Slovenia
Author Information
Author(s): Maja Sočan
Primary Institution: National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Hypothesis
To analyze the 2009/2010 epidemiological data of patients hospitalized for confirmed pandemic influenza in Slovenia.
Conclusion
The epidemiological data extracted from the Diagnosis-related Group system in Slovenia were comparable with the data on pandemic patients published elsewhere.
Supporting Evidence
- A total of 748 patients diagnosed with confirmed influenza virus infection were admitted to hospitals during the study period.
- Influenza was coded as the primary diagnosis in 536 patients.
- Children under 15 years accounted for 55% of hospitalized patients.
- The median length of hospital stay was 3 days, with children staying for 2 days and adults for 5 days.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people were hospitalized with the flu in Slovenia during a pandemic, finding that many were children and that most stayed in the hospital for a short time.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis of health statistical data collected from the Diagnosis-related Group system, focusing on patients diagnosed with confirmed influenza virus infection.
Potential Biases
The study's retrospective nature and reliance on health statistics data may introduce inaccuracies.
Limitations
Inconsistent and inaccurate coding of chronic diseases at discharge from hospital may lead to underrepresentation of chronic conditions.
Participant Demographics
The median age of patients was 11 years, with 55% being children under 15 years; 54% were men and 46% were women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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