Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 mortality in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective multi-center study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increased morbidity and mortality in health institutions worldwide. The present study describes the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 mortality rates. Investigating the factors that affect COVID-19 mortality will be helpful in reducing the burden of morbidity and mortality in healthcare systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current retrospective observational study was carried out in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. COVID-19 cases resulting in death were admitted to hospitals from March 2020 to June 2020. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these cases of COVID-19-related death were collected and evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 3260 COVID-19 death cases were included. The mean age of the subjects was 55 years. COVID-19 deaths more frequently in patients aged 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and 40-49 years (26%, 22%, and 17%, respectively). A greater percentage of COVID-19-related deaths (47%) was observed in June than in March (>1%), April (15%), and May (37%). Men accounted for most death cases (76%) compared to women. The COVID-19 mortality rate was higher among non-Saudi (71%) than Saudis (29%). The highest COVID-19 mortality was observed in Tabuk Region, whereas the lowest was observed in Najran. The mean stay duration of COVID-19 cases in the intensive care unit (ICU) was 11 days. The independent -test indicated a statistically significant increase in the life expectancy (6 days) of ICU cases compared to non-ICU cases.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that older age, male gender, and non-Saudi are risk factors that enhance COVID-19 mortality rates, while medical care increases the life expectancy of COVID-19 cases.