Factors influencing the COVID-19 mortality rate in the European Union: importance of medical professionals

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to analyze whether health variables such as the total number of physicians, available beds, and public spending on health care influence the number of deaths. The influence of other variables such as the Human Development Index and public health measures is also analyzed.

Study design: Statistical study. Evaluation of variables associated with COVID-19 mortality in the EU.

Methods: A multiple regression analysis is performed for the countries of the European Union.

Results: Health expenditure, public health measures and the number of physicians influence the total number of deaths. The more physicians, the lower the number of deaths. However, the number of beds or the Human Development Index are not determinants of the number of deaths.

Conclusions: A greater number of medical professionals will improve health care and reduce the number of deaths.

Keywords: COVID-19; Health expenditure; Number of beds; Physicians; Public health measures.