Associations between the spread of COVID-19 and end-of-life circumstances in the non-infected population of Sweden.
Scand J Public Health
; 52(3): 290-298, 2024 May.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38153142
ABSTRACT
AIMS:
Since its outbreak in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has directly caused the premature death of millions. However, indirect consequences, such as social restrictions, have affected a far greater number. We explored the association between the spread of COVID-19 and end-of-life circumstances in the infected and non-infected population in Sweden.METHODS:
In this descriptive, population-based, observational study, we primarily used data from the Swedish National Registry of Palliative Care, which covers about 60% of all deaths in Sweden. We explored the association between the spread of COVID-19 and place of death, people present at death and end-of-life symptoms using regression analyses.RESULTS:
The study included 190,291 individuals who died in any region of Sweden from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2022, of which 10,646 were COVID-19 cases. Correlated to the temporal and geographical spread of COVID-19, there was a greater proportion of individuals dying without the presence of their next-of-kin, and consequently more people dying alone, both in those with and without COVID-19. There was a similar pattern of a greater proportion of deaths taking place in nursing homes and in the individual's own home. However, we did not find substantial associations to reported symptoms, such as anxiety or confusion.CONCLUSIONS:
This study shows the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on end-of-life circumstances in both the infected and non-infected population in Sweden. As we prepare for future pandemics, there is a need to develop strategies to minimise the impact on non-infected individuals.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Terminal Care
/
Registries
/
COVID-19
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Scand J Public Health
Journal subject:
MEDICINA SOCIAL
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Sweden
Country of publication:
Sweden