COVID-19 mortality rate determinants in selected Eastern European countries

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased mortality worldwide. We noticed a tendency for higher number of deaths in Eastern European countries. Therefore, we decided to investigate whether any common factor that might be responsible for the increased COVID-19 mortality exists. Methods In our cross-sectional study, we conducted the correlation and multiple regression analysis using R basing on the data gathered in publicly available databases. In the analysis, we included variables such as: number of deaths, number of new cases, number of hospitalizations, number of ICU (intensive care units) patients, number of vaccinations, number of boosters, number of fully vaccinated individuals, stringency index, number of reported COVID-19 variant cases, and number of flights. Additionally, we analyzed the influence of population density and median age in particular European countries on total number of COVID-19 deaths. Analyzed data represents periods from start of the COVID-19 pandemic in particular Eastern European Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, while as the end of the study the day of January 31, 2022 is considered. Results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results Our study showed that mortality rate reflects the number of COVID-19 cases (e.g. for Poland was 0.0058, p < 0.001), number of hospitalized patients (e.g. for Poland 0.0116, p < 0.001), and patients in intensive care (e.g. for Slovakia 0.2326, p < 0.001). Stringency index corresponding to level of introduced restrictions and vaccination can affect the mortality rate of COVID-19 in a country-dependent manner: e.g. for Romania 0.0006, p < 0.001; whereas in Lithuania − 0.0002, p < 0.001. Moreover, occurrence of B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 variants increased COVID-19 mortality rates. Conclusion Our analysis showed that crucial factor for decreasing mortality is proper healthcare joined by accurate restriction policy. Additionally, our study shows that COVID-19 vaccination proven successful in COVID-19 mortality prevention.

Safety Profile of Upadacitinib up to 5 Years in Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: An Integrated Analysis of Clinical Trials

“…Possible factors influencing the observed higher proportion of COVID-19-related deaths in upadacitinib-treated patients with PsA include higher mean age compared to those in the AS and nr-axSpA cohorts as well as higher rates of metabolic syndrome, non-biologic DMARD use, and CV risk factors. Other potential contributing factors include low rates of COVID-19 vaccination, geographical predominance in Eastern Europe where increased COVID-19 mortality was reported [ 25 ], and a potential protective effect of TNF inhibitor treatment for adverse COVID-19 outcomes [ 26 ]. Ultimately, the crucial role of COVID-19 vaccination in reducing risks should be underlined, and effective vaccination strategies are possible for patients receiving JAKi therapy [ 27 ].…”

Understanding the experiences of PHC nurses in caring for older patients in the post-fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory qualitative study

“…As the pandemic progressed, their perspective on these experiences evolved. An in-depth analysis by Cho and Kim ( 38 ) aiming at categorizing and characterizing the psychological reactions of nurses, who experienced the care of a patient with COVID-19, was based on a methodology which showed that psychological reactions can be divided into three areas: ( 1 ) fear of social stigma, ( 2 ) anxiety related to the risk of infection and ( 3 ) the burden of infection prevention and nursing control. In our findings, all of these areas were reported by nurses through their experience of caring for older patients in the PHC.…”

“…When the COVID-19 pandemic was compared across Europe in terms of numbers of deaths, crude rates, and adjusted mortality trend ratios (AMTRs), it was found that Eastern European countries (Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland) had higher AMTRs than Western European countries ( 1 ). This outcome is related to social, economic, and healthcare quality factors ( 2 ).…”

Disparities and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine policies in three representative European countries

“…In addition to this, the ill-prepared health system in Bulgaria also contributed to the extraordinarily high mortality rates, as according to data published by Eurostat, Central/Eastern European countries tend to spend less as a percentage of their budgets on healthcare compared to Western countries [ 28 ]. It has been suggested that the higher COVID-19 mortality rates in CEE countries compared to Western Europe may also be due to the overall quality of healthcare [ 29 ]. The vulnerability of Eastern European countries in terms of healthcare infrastructure, medical staff, and consistent decision-making puts them at risk in an epidemic [ 28 ].…”