Demographic and Public Health Characteristics of COVID-19 Mortality in a State in South-South Nigeria

Abstract Background COVID-19 has accounted for approximately six million deaths globally. Several risk factors have been identified. However, population profile varies in different population groups. Aim The study aim is to describe the population profile of COVID-19 mortality in Rivers State, Nigeria using captured population-based health records. Study design: Retrospective cohort study Methods Using electronic State Health Records, a secondary data analysis was conducted on recorded COVID-19 mortality. Data were obtained from the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at the State Ministry of Health. Data was accessed from the PHEOC database, and it included COVID-19 related mortality. Data were collected on demographics, pre-existing comorbidity, symptoms, facility managed, patient status, treatment outcome, and dates of related events. Cohort characteristics were described using means and proportions. Results There were 191 COVID-19 deaths identified. The mean age was 57.08; of which 144 were male (75.4%). The 51–65-year age group had the highest mortality count (38.9%). Over 50% of the patients were hypertensive and diabetes was the second most common comorbidity (28.8%). Running nose, cough, fever and breathing difficulties were the most reported COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusion Data from this study shows higher mortality in men from COVID-19; and, among cases with hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, age and the presence of comorbidities may be associated with COVID-19 mortality. Future research in this area could further explain these findings.