Investigating the causes of death and COVID-19
Among European countries, Italy is the first to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this report, we focus on the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, one of the first areas affected by the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, in a study aimed at assessing trends in mortality from all causes and describing the characteristics of the population studied.
Study details
The data used for the analysis were published by the majority of municipalities and covered 93% of the total population living in the Veneto region. trends in overall mortality rates were assessed from January 1 to June 30, 2020, and in addition, COVID-19-related deaths were compared with overall deaths.
Results.
Since March 2020, the overall mortality rate has reportedly increased exponentially, affecting males and those over 76 years of age the most; the COVID-19-related mortality rate identified in the Veneto region from March 1 to April 30, 2020 was 30 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In contrast, the increase in mortality from all causes registered in the same month in the municipalities included in the study was 219 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Conclusion.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that it is difficult to prove that it is associated with overall mortality, although it is also considered a major factor in the increase in mortality. The researchers indicate that we need to develop strategies to reduce this gap in preparation for future waves of pandemics.
Gallo, E., Prosepe, I., Lorenzoni, G. etal. Excess mortality from all causes is only partially explained by COVID-19 in Veneto (Italy) during the spring outbreak. BMC Public Health 21, 797 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10832-7
Summary.
The content of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between mortality in a specific region of Italy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results explained the increase in the number of deaths due to the pandemic, but it is not clear whether all causes of death are related.
In the report, there was a gender difference, with male patients tending to die more, and the impact of the lockdown was also confirmed. However, because of the difference between the actual number of reported cases and what the local government was confirming, the burden of the disease was not readily apparent from a public health perspective.
The persuasive power of numbers can be useful in convincing people to act, but on the other hand, they may be misled by false reports of numbers.
Even if we talk about pandemic preparedness, it is difficult for individuals to grasp the whole situation, but we should take "grounded measures.
