Assessing of Factors Effecting COVID-19 Mortality Rate on a Global Basis

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of some health indicators of selected countries on COVID-19 pandemic death/case rates. In this study, which was conducted using retrospective data, the health indicators of countries with more than 50,000 COVID-19 cases were compared with the COVID-19 cases and death rates in these countries. The data used in the research process were obtained by the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and OECD sources. Results: Considering the findings obtained in the analysis, the USA ranks first in the highest number of deaths (89271), while Saudi Arabia is the last (329). The highest rate of death/case belongs to France (19.8), the lowest rate to Saudi Arabia (0.5%). In the correlation analysis based on the death/case ratio, a significant relationship was found in cancer deaths, congenital life expectancy, life expectancy above 65 years old, population 65 years and older (positive direction), and air pollution variables (negative direction). According to the results of the regression analysis for meaningful relationship variables, all independent variables affect the death/case ratio. The highest influencing variable is congenital life expectancy (R2 = ,462). As a result, deaths from cancer and especially congenital life expectancy and population over 65 years of age have a positive effect on COVID-19 death/case ratio. In this context, it is necessary to continue taking measures to protect the elderly population and individuals with chronic anxiety.