Case fatality and mortality rates, socio-demographic profile, and clinical features of COVID-19 in the elderly population: A population-based registry study in Iran.

ABSTRACT

We aimed to investigate COVID-19 case fatality rate (CFR), mortality, and screening in the older population of East Azerbaijan Province. We conducted a population-based registry study from Death Registration System in the elderly population (N = 433 445) from the outbreak that emerged up to May 30, 2021 (before vaccination). We analyzed CFR and mortality rates due to COVID-19 as well as the case findings and characteristics in the elderly population. Logistic regression analysis was carried out for the association between COVID-19 mortality and effective factors. During the study, the province had 18 079 confirmed cases and 4390 deaths. The male to female CFR risk ratio was 3.2. The overall CFR and mortality rates were 24% and 1%, respectively. CFR and mortality ranged from 9.56% to 0.37% in the 60-64 age group to 70% and 2.6% in the age group ≥85 years, respectively. We found a significant trend in CFR and mortality of COVID-19 with advanced age. Male sex, advanced age, marital status, and living alone were associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 fatality. COVID-19 mortality measures were higher in the older population of this province. Advanced treatment supports and interventions are needed to reduce mortality rates of COVID-19 in the elderly population.