Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Investigating the factors associated with COVID-19 infection and its severity can be a major element in controlling the pandemics. This study aims to assess risk factors of COVID-19 infection and factors associated with hospitalization of COVID-19 cases. METHODS: In this case-control study, 416 confirmed COVID-19 cases based on the polymerase chain reaction test and 535 controls were selected from the urban and rural areas of Sistan-region-East of Iran. RESULTS: Cases had a lower frequency of hypertension than controls (12.3% vs 18.3% respectively, P = 0.011). Out of the investigated factors, only age over 50, increased the chance of hospitalization (odds ratio = 5, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Although age was expected to be a risk factor, the observed protective effect of hypertension should be considered with caution.