Factors Associated With COVID-19-induced Deaths in Africa

Abstract

Background: Although COVID-19 has been a global crisis, respecting no boundaries, the burden and number of cases have been much lower in numerous African countries than initially feared. The reason for considerable cross-country variability across the continent remains undiscovered. Accordingly, the present study investigated the potential country-level factors associated with the COVID-19 burden in Africa Materials & Methods: Guided by emerging empirical findings, the rapidly evolving literature, and relevant theoretical frameworks, a unique cross-sectional dataset comprising 54 African countries were constructed. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine critical factors associated with COVID-19 deaths in Africa. Results: The obtained data suggested that population density was negatively and significantly associated with COVID-19-induced deaths; however, the median age presented a positive, and significant association with COVID-19-related deaths. Other explored factors, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, global connectivity, DTP immunization coverage, the percentage of seats in parliament held by women, and political regime type demonstrated no significant relationship with COVID-19-related deaths. Conclusion: The global empirical analyses have indicated that an array of socio-economic, demographic, political, and health-related factors may be associated with COVID-19 burden; however, the present study indicated that population density and median age were associated with COVID-19-induced deaths in Africa.