modeling the impact of factors associated with delay in healthcare seeking on the survival of hospitalized patients with covid-19

Background: the delay between the onset of initial symptoms and hospitalization is a critical issue in the context of covid-19 awareness. objectives: this study aims to identify the factors influencing the delay in healthcare-seeking among hospitalized patients with covid-19 in chaharmahal and bakhtiari province. methods: this cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on all patients hospitalized from 2020 to 2022 in chaharmahal and bakhtiari province. chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression were used to establish the relationship between referral delay and various variables. results: this study was conducted on 38,124 patients hospitalized with covid-19 in chaharmahal and bakhtiari, with an average age of 25.27 ± 49.61 years. the mean duration of hospitalization and patient care was 4.67 ± 4.33 days. the average delay in seeking healthcare was 3.68 ± 3.67 days, and 75.6% of the cases with delay sought care at health and treatment centers. those who experienced a delay in seeking care [2.09 (1.98 - 2.20, p = 0.01)] were more likely to be hospitalized. individuals with a history of hypertension [2.46 (2.25 - 2.67, p = 0.001)] and diabetes [1.13 (1.05 - 1.22, p = 0.001)] had a higher chance of delay compared to their respective counterparts. those with a positive lung scan [8.25 (7.59 - 8.97, p = 0.001)] had a higher chance of delay, and patients with abnormal radiological findings [3.18 (2.86 - 3.54, p = 0.001)] were more likely to experience a delay in seeking care. conclusions: delay in seeking care at healthcare centers during covid-19 infection depends on gender, place of residence, occupation, individuals' history of chronic disease, and other demographic variables, as well as the onset of initial disease symptoms.