Culture and COVID-19-related mortality: a cross-sectional study of 50 countries

Abstract

Using a cross-sectional sample of 50 countries we investigate the influence of Hofstede’s six-dimensions of culture on COVID-19 related mortality. A multivariable regression model was fitted that controls for health-related, economic- and policy-related variables that have been found to be associated with mortality. We included the percentage of population aged 65 and above, the prevalence of relevant co-morbidities, and tobacco use as health-related variables. Economic variables were GDP, and the connectedness of a country. As policy variables, the Oxford Stringency Index as well as stringency speed, and the Global Health Security Index were used. We also describe the importance of the variables by means of a random forest model. The results suggest that individualistic societies are associated with lower COVID-19-related mortality rates. This finding contradicts previous studies that supported the popular narrative that collectivistic societies with an obedient population are better positioned to manage the pandemic.

COVID-19 mortality rate and its determinants in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…However, it is comparable with studies conducted in Kenya ( 10 ) and Ethiopia ( 11 ). The difference may be related to a difference in cultural norms ( 14 ), i.e., countries with more individualistic societies may be affected more by COVID-19 mortality and case fatalities. These facts are associated with the fact that social lack of cooperation in individualistic societies decreases the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments intended to alleviate the disease ( 15 , 16 ).…”

“…However, it is comparable with studies conducted in Kenya (10) and Ethiopia (11). The difference may be related to a difference in cultural norms (14), i.e., countries with more The association between COVID-19 morality and comorbidity. The association between COVID-19 morality and hypertension.…”

“…A study’s findings revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to get worse in developing nations, making low-income countries more vulnerable if it is not controlled ( 13 ). Cultural norms affect COVID-19-related mortality ( 14 ). Individualism societies were favorably correlated with COVID-19 prevalence, mortality, and case fatality rates; in contrast, collectivism societies were adversely correlated with these characteristics.…”