This study focuses on identifying the factors contributing to prolonged length of stay (PLOS) in patients with moderate-risk community-acquired pneumonia (CAP-MR) at Ospital ng Makati. CAP-MR, particularly in middle-aged and older adults, is a leading cause of hospital admissions and extended hospital stays. By analyzing records from 387 CAP-MR patients admitted between 2016 and 2023, the study aimed to optimize patient management and resource use in lower-middle-income settings. Results showed an average hospital stay of 13.5 days, with most patients (59.95%) staying over seven days. Notably, prolonged stays were associated with older age, multiple comorbidities, and certain clinical conditions upon admission. Cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly linked to PLOS, alongside renal, cardiac, pulmonary, and hematological conditions. Lifestyle factors, particularly smoking and alcohol use, further increased PLOS risks. Initial clinical indicators, such as elevated temperature and pleural effusion on chest X-rays, also contributed to prolonged stays. The majority (85.53%) of patients were successfully discharged, though the study observed a 13.44% mortality rate. These findings align with international studies, which similarly emphasize age, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors as determinants of hospitalization duration in CAP cases. The study highlights the importance of early identification and targeted intervention for high-risk factors, which can help reduce hospital stays, improve patient outcomes, and optimize resource allocation, especially in settings with limited healthcare resources.

Abdullah holds a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Santo Tomas, is a licensed pharmacist, and completed her medical degree at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc. (UERMMCI). Licensed as an MD at 26, she is an internal medicine resident and chief resident at Ospital ng Makati.