Persistent high mortality rates for Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension after excluding deaths associated with...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant excess mortality globally, particularly in Brazil.
• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), Systemic Hypertension (HTN), and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are linked to increased mortality.
• The specific impact of DM and HTN on mortality during the pandemic requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Systemic Hypertension (HTN) on mortality rates in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess mortality trends for DM and HTN from 2020 to 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Brazil's mortality system data (2015-2022) and Brazilian Census population data.
• Calculated mortality ratios (MRs) by comparing 2020-2022 death rates to the 2015-2019 average.
• Employed Poisson models for adjusted MRs, analyzing all causes of death, including those mentioning DM, HTN, or CVD, and excluding COVID-19 specific codes.

Main Results:

• Brazil experienced a sharp increase in death rates in 2020 and 2021, which remained elevated in 2022.
• These mortality trends persisted for individuals with DM, HTN, or CVD.
• Even excluding COVID-19 deaths, mortality rates showed a significant increase from 2020 through 2022.

Conclusions:

• Persistent high mortality rates for DM and HTN were observed in Brazil during 2020-2022, even after excluding COVID-19 related deaths.
• Effective management and prevention strategies for DM and HTN are essential public health priorities.
• Complex interactions exist between DM, HTN, and the pandemic's overall impact on mortality.