Background COVID-19 severity is disproportionately high in the elderly and people with comorbidities. However, other factors that predispose individuals to increased chances of infection are unclear. Methods Data from 18,600 people screened for COVID-19 in Mumbai during the outbreak's initial phase, March 7 to June 30, 2020, were used to assess risk factors associated with COVID-19 using the odds ratio analysis. Findings Males aged ≥60 years having both diabetes and hypertension were at the highest risk of COVID-19 infection (M vs. F OR=2.5, 95% CI=1.34–4.67, p = 0.0049). People having both diabetes and hypertension in ≥20 years (OR=4.11, 95% CI=3.26–5.20, p &lt;0.0001), diabetes and hypertension independently in 20–39 (OR=4.13, 95% CI=2.22–7.70, p &lt;0.0001, OR=4.32, 95% CI=2.10–8.88, p = 0.0001) and ≥60 years (OR=2.69, 95% CI=1.87–3.87, p &lt;0.0001, OR=2.03, 95% CI=1.46–2.82, p &lt;0.0001), chronic renal disease in 20–39 years (OR=5.38, 95% CI=1.91–15.09, p = 0.0007) age groups had significantly higher risk of COVID-19 infection than those without comorbidity. Quarantined people had significantly lower positive odds (OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.53–0.66, p &lt;0.001) than non-quarantined people. Interpretation Our research indicates that the risk of getting COVID-19 disease is not equal. When considering sex, age, and comorbidity together, we found that males aged ≥60 years and having both diabetes and hypertension had a significantly high risk of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, remedial measures such as vaccination programs should be prioritized for at-risk individuals. Funding SERB, India: SB/S1/COVID-2/2020 and Seed grant RD/0520-IRCCHC0–006 from IRCC, IIT Bombay.
Mumbai mayhem of COVID-19 pandemic reveals important factors that influence susceptibility to infection