Non-communicable diseases and mortality from covid-19 in the first and second waves in peru; Enfermedades no transmisibles y mortalidad por COVID-19 en la primera y segunda ola en Perú

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a severe disease that has resulted in high mortality rates among patients with risk factors, such as advanced age and preexisting conditions. Objective: To determine the relationship between non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and COVID-19 mortality. Methods: Descriptive study using secondary data from the Peruvian National Death System. A total of 55 deaths per outbreak at the start of each lockdown period in 2020 and 2021 were included. Data were coded from national death repositories and analyzed using SPSS by gender, age group, noncommunicable diseases, and causes of death. Results: In 2020, the average age at death was 65.6±14.6 years, 67.3% were male, and 60% of deaths occurred in Lima. The main chronic diseases were diabetes, obesity (14.5%), hypertension, and kidney disease (9.1%). A significant relationship was found between age and obesity (p= 0.016). In 2021, the average age was 71.7±9.8 years, 70.9% were male, and 30.9% of deaths occurred in Lima. Hypertension (18%) and kidney disease (1.8%) were the main NCDs affecting primarily those over 70 years old (3.6%). Conclusions: Non-communicable diseases were associated with COVID-19 deaths, particularly among the elderly. These findings underscore the importance of protecting the most vulnerable age groups and implementing appropriate preventive and treatment measures during health emergencies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.