Population Age Structures of Nations with COVID-19 and Attributed Deaths

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest challenges the world has faced during the last decades that has affected every aspect of human life. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the effects of the age composition of the countries on global mortality and the final outcome of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This ecological observational study used the World Health Organization (WHO) reports for information on COVID-19 in 42 countries with more than 1000 formal COVID-19 reports. The correlation coefficient between age composition pattern and COVID-19 deaths was calculated in selected countries by SPSS. Results: This study demonstrated a positive relationship between COVID-19-attributed death and the country population share of the 50 - 64 years age group at the significance level of 90.8%. The only age range that could affect the nationwide mortality rate was the age range of 50 - 64 years. There was not a significant correlation between COVID-19-attributed death and the population share of 65 years and over. Conclusions: The young population is protective against COVID-19-related death, and they are productive and responsible for community needs during this pandemic crisis. Population aging and the increasing share of the elderly in population is one of the most critical social changes in the 21st century, and its consequences affect almost all sections of the society.