Effects of COVID-19 on mortality: A 5-year population-based study in Oman

Adil Al Wahaibi*, Amal Al-Maani, Fatma Alyaquobi, Khalid Al Harthy, Amina Al-Jardani, Bader Al Rawahi, Seif Al-Abri

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Mortality surveillance provides a crucial method for monitoring disease activity. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause excess mortality both directly and indirectly by increasing deaths from other diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on mortality in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of mortality data from 1 January 2015 to 16 August 2020 was undertaken. Baseline mortality estimated using the Farrington flexible model and excess mortality were calculated for the pandemic period (16 March–16 August 2020) according to cause of death, place of death and age group. Results: During the pandemic period, there was a 15% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14–17] increase in all-cause mortality from baseline. When classifying by cause, there was a 9% (95% CI 5–12) increase in deaths due to respiratory diseases, a 2% (95% CI 1–4) increase in deaths due to infectious diseases and a 9% (95% CI 8–11) increase in unclassified deaths. In terms of place of death, 12% (95% CI 11–14) of excess mortality occurred in hospitals and 7% (95% CI 5–8) occurred in homes during the pandemic period. Patients aged >60 years recorded a 15% (95% CI 13–16) increase in all-cause mortality during this period. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a 15% increase in all-cause mortality in Oman, mainly as a result of deaths from COVID-19. However, unclassified deaths, deaths due to respiratory diseases and deaths due to infectious diseases have also increased, enforcing the need for a holistic approach and appropriate coordination of health services during such health crises.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)102-107
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume104
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Communicable diseases
  • Non-communicable diseases
  • Oman
  • Pandemic
  • Retrospective studies

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of COVID-19 on mortality: A 5-year population-based study in Oman'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this