The predictors of COVID-19 mortality among health systems parameters: an ecological study across 203 countries

Key messages Health financing parameters are better predictors of cumulative COVID-19 cases and deaths per million population compared to other health systems and global health security indicators. More robust and valid indicators are required to assess the performance of health system. Background Health systems responsiveness is the key to addressing infectious disease threats such as pandemics. The paper outlines an assessment of health systems resilience by exploring the association of health systems and Global Health Security (GHS) parameters with case load and mortality resulting from COVID-19 across 203 countries using an ecological design. Methodology Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship of each of the indicators with COVID 19 cases and deaths per million population. Stepwise multiple regression models were developed to determine the predictors of COVID-19 cumulative cases and deaths per million population separately. Results Global health security indicators seemed to have a strong association when analyzed individually but those did not necessarily translate into less burden of cases or deaths in the multivariable analysis. The predictors of cumulative deaths per million population included general government expenditure on health as a proportion of general government expenditure, responsiveness of the system to prevent the emergence and release of pathogens and governance related voice and accountability. Conclusion To conclude, health financing parameters and preventive activities with regard to emergence of pathogens were better predictors of cumulative COVID-19 cases and deaths per million population compared to other health systems and global health security indicators.

Automated summary

Health financing parameters and preventive activities with regard to emergence of pathogens are better predictors of cumulative COVID-19 cases and deaths per million population compared to other health systems and global health security indicators.