O-23 The Risk of COVID-19 Death in Jamaica by Wave Period
Author(s):
K Webster-Kerr, A Grant, A Harris, R Thorpe, D Rowe, D Henningham, T Mullings, I Wellington, J Wiggan, KGordon-Johnson, C Lord, T Dawkins- Beharie, J AzilleLewis, N Martin-Chen, E Campbell, M Brown, T Roberts, JDuncan
Type Of Study:
- Analytical Study
- Observational Study
Year of Presentation:
2023
Objective: To describe the characteristics of COVID-19 mortality and to determine the risk of COVID-19 death by wave period in Jamaica.
Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data on confirmed COVID-19 cases reported to the National Surveillance Unit from August 5, 2020 to October 4, 2022. Definitions of a confirmed COVID-19 case and death were based on WHO guidelines. Chi-square analysis and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to test for associations with COVID19 mortality. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine risk of death by wave period, adjusting for age, sex and health region.
Results: 143,270 cases (42% male, 58% female) were included in the analysis. Majority of cases (53%) were <40 years of age. There were 3,394 COVID-19 deaths. The risk of death increased among males OR: 1.3 (95% CI: 1.2-1.4), persons from the Western Health Region OR: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.4-1.7) and persons 40 years and older OR: 18.6 (95% CI: 16.1-21.5). In comparison to wave 4, the odds of death were OR: 3.3 (95% CI: 2.9-3.7) for wave 3 and OR: 3.1 (95% CI: 2.7-3.7) for wave 1.
Conclusion: Among wave periods, the risk of death was greatest during the wave period where the Delta variant was predominant (Wave 3). There was an increased risk of death beginning at age 40 years, with males disproportionately affected. The likelihood of COVID-19 death was also highest among persons from the Western health region. This reinforces the need for a responsive and adaptive surveillance system, as well as social and clinical interventions among high risk groups.