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COVID-19 incidence among Kenyan patients with and without inflammatory rheumatic disease

Benwillies Onchong'a1,2, Tuulikki Sokka-Isler3,4, Pekka Mäntyselkä1,5

  • 1Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.

Journal of Public Health in Africa
|November 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) did not increase COVID-19 risk in a Kenyan hospital cohort. This study provides crucial African data on IRDs and COVID-19, highlighting potential regional differences.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Limited evidence exists on the association between inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) and COVID-19 risk in African populations.
  • Inflammatory rheumatic diseases have been previously considered potential risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between inflammatory rheumatic diseases and COVID-19 risk among patients discharged from a major public hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • To contribute valuable African data to the global understanding of IRDs and COVID-19 risk.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study was conducted at Mbagathi County Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • 348 patients with IRDs and 2951 non-IRD patients were followed for two years post-discharge.
  • Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess COVID-19 risk, adjusting for baseline characteristics.

Main Results:

  • The cohort comprised 46.2% women. IRD patients were older, more likely to drink alcohol, less vaccinated against COVID-19, and had higher BMIs.
  • The 2-year COVID-19 incidence rate was similar between IRD (4.5 per 100 person-years) and non-IRD patients (5.0 per 100 person-years).
  • Age- and sex-adjusted hazard of COVID-19 was not significantly different between IRD and non-IRD patients (Hazard Ratio: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.6-1.4).

Conclusions:

  • Inflammatory rheumatic diseases were not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 in this Kenyan cohort.
  • The findings suggest that IRDs may not be a significant risk factor for COVID-19 in this specific African setting.
  • This study underscores the importance of regional data in understanding disease associations and informing public health strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19Kenyacomorbidityhazard ratioincidenceinflammatory rheumatic diseasesrisk factors

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