Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increased morbidity and mortality in health institutions worldwide. The present study describes the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 mortality rates. Investigating the factors that affect COVID-19 mortality will be helpful in reducing the burden of morbidity and mortality in healthcare systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current retrospective observational study was carried out in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. COVID-19 cases resulting in death were admitted to hospitals from March 2020 to June 2020. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these cases of COVID-19-related death were collected and evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 3260 COVID-19 death cases were included. The mean age of the subjects was 55 years. COVID-19 deaths more frequently in patients aged 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and 40-49 years (26%, 22%, and 17%, respectively). A greater percentage of COVID-19-related deaths (47%) was observed in June than in March (>1%), April (15%), and May (37%). Men accounted for most death cases (76%) compared to women. The COVID-19 mortality rate was higher among non-Saudi (71%) than Saudis (29%). The highest COVID-19 mortality was observed in Tabuk Region, whereas the lowest was observed in Najran. The mean stay duration of COVID-19 cases in the intensive care unit (ICU) was 11 days. The independent t-test indicated a statistically significant increase in the life expectancy (6 days) of ICU cases compared to non-ICU cases. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that older age, male gender, and non-Saudi are risk factors that enhance COVID-19 mortality rates, while medical care increases the life expectancy of COVID-19 cases.