Demographic and Public Health Characteristics of COVID-19 Mortality Cases in Rivers State, Nigeria –A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: COVID-19 has accounted for approximately six million deaths globally. Several risk factors have been identified. However, the population profile varies in different population groups. The study's aim is to describe the population profile of COVID-19 mortality in Rivers State, Nigeria using captured population-based health records.

Methods: Using electronic State Health Records, 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, Rivers State. Data were 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 years, 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 comrbidity (28.8%). Running nose, cough, fever and breathing difficulties were the most reported COVID-19 symptoms.

Conclusion: This study found that COVID-19 was responsible for a greater mortality increase in men and that the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was higher in these individuals. Additionally, age and the presence of comorbidities may be associated with COVID-19 mortality. Future research in this area could further explain these findings.