COVID-19 mortality in Suriname, a comparison of socio-demographic factors and hospitalization duration between epidemic waves

ABSTRACT

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. Method(s) All people in Suriname who died of COVID- 19 (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. Result(s) 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(s) 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.