Spatial Variability of COVID-19 Hospitalization in the Silesian Region, Poland

Abstract

Assessment of regional variation in the COVID-19 epidemic is an important task for the implementation of effective action in public health, especially in densely populated regions. In this descriptive study, the temporal and spatial variability of morbidity and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 in the Silesian Voivodship (Poland) was analyzed. Secondary epidemiological data of hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 from 1 March to 31 December 2020 and from 1 January to 31 December 2021 were obtained from the regional registry of the Silesian Voivodship Office in Katowice. A year by year (2020 versus 2021) comparative analysis showed a similar course pattern of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Silesian Voivodeship; with the worst situation occurring in the colder months of the year. The percentage of in-hospital mortality remained at a high level, close to 20% during the second year of observation. The risk of death in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 increased with the number of comorbidities. The highest number of patients was documented in densely inhabited regions with intensive population movement (Częstochowa and border counties). The epidemiological ‘map’ facilitates the generation of hypotheses needed for the explanation of the observed epidemic hazard in one of the most populated regions of Poland.

The prevalence and determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare workers, results of a cross-sectional study in the Silesian Voivodeship

“…In contrast, a screening study conducted in Egypt, with the use of the PCR method to identify infections among HCWs, showed that most respondents (68% of infected physicians) had no symptoms of the disease [17]. The observed difference is probably a result of different collections of data regarding infection his- tionally, the study period was characterized by the highest number of new cases of COVID-19 in the region, and consequently, a higher number of hospitalized starting from November 2021 [28]. However, in practice, the results of this study may help to recognize the most important determinants which are necessary for planning the management of a future potential epidemiological crisis.…”

“…Finally, the results of the presented study indicate a relatively high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs employed from October 2021 to February 2022 in both hospitals. It is worth noting that infection prevalence was based on employees' declarations, and additionally, the study period was characterized by the highest number of new cases of COVID-19 in the region, and consequently, a higher number of hospitalized starting from November 2021 [ 28 ].…”