O-15 COVID-19 mortality in Suriname; a comparison of socio-demographic factors and hospitalization duration between epidemic waves
Author(s):
AR Gokoel , M Jairam , A Mendeszoon , L Liauw Kie Fa , F Poese, AV Jarbandhan , V Jairam , F Abdoel Wahid
Year of Presentation:
2022
Objective: Suriname is among the Caribbean countries with the highest COVID-19 incidence and mortality rate. This study focused on socio-demographic characteristics and duration of hospitalization related to COVID-19 mortality in Suriname.
Methods: All people in Suriname who died of COVID19 (n = 1112) between March 13, 2020 and November 11, 2021, were included. Data were collected from medical records and included demographic variables and duration of hospitalization. Bivariate logistic regressions, chi-square tests, ANOVA models and a multinomial logistic regression were performed to determine differences in demographic variables and the survival time between epidemic waves.
Results: The case fatality rate over the total study period was 22 per 1000. There was a significant difference in the number of deaths per wave (p < 0.001). The survival times during the four different waves were also significantly different (p < 0.001). Patients were more likely to have a longer survival time during the first (OR 1.66; [0.98–2.82]) and third wave (OR 2.37; [1.71–3.28]) compared to the fourth wave. There was a significant difference in mortality between ethnicities for the four waves (p = 0.010). When compared to the ‘mixed and other’ group, Creoles (OR 2.7; [1.33–5.29]) and Tribal Peoples (OR 2.8; [1.12–7.02]) were more likely to die during the 4th wave compared to the 3rd wave.
Conclusion: Tailored interventions are especially needed for males, the Creole, Tribal and Indigenous Peoples, the elderly (65+). Future studies need to include other sociodemographic factors, co-morbidities, as well as vaccinationstatus to more comprehensively identify vulnerable groups.