Excess Mortality Resulting from COVID-19 in Turkey during 2020-2021: Regional and Time-Based Analysis

Abstract

AbstractTurkey experienced substantial excess mortality in 2020 and 2021 related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods used to estimate excess mortality vary, making comparisons difficult. This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, using the TURKSTAT data which became available on February 23, 2023. We applied a quasi-Poisson model to estimate excess mortality during 2020–2021, comparing excess mortality by time periods and socioeconomic factors. During 2020–2021, Turkey experienced 72,886 excess deaths in 2020 (P-score 16.8%) and 125,540 in 2021 (P-score 28.5%). An additional 80 excess deaths per 100,000 people were recorded in 2020 and 143 in 2021. Excess all-cause mortality varied across socioeconomic levels, with notable social disparities in pandemic deaths as the highest rates were observed in the lowest socioeconomic group. This study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to address the diverse impacts of the pandemic on health and well-being while considering socioeconomic disparities, and potential areas for improvement in data collection and reporting.