Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Health outcomes during the first wave of COVID-19 in Catalonia, Spain, have been described in detail in a study published by Nature Communications.

Coronavirus modelling

These findings provide new insights into the early months of the pandemic and will help to inform the ongoing response, such as vaccination strategies.

Using data from over 5.5 million individuals, representing around 80% of the population of Catalonia, the study identified 102,002 patients who had an outpatient diagnosis of COVID-19, 16,901 who were hospitalised with COVID-19, and 5,273 who died after either being diagnosed or hospitalised with COVID-19 between 1st March and 6th May 2020.

On examining the characteristics of those with COVID-19, older age was the factor most strongly associated with worse outcomes (hospitalisations and deaths). Of the COVID-19 deaths observed, more than 80% were among individuals aged 70 or older. While COVID-19 deaths were concentrated among those at oldest ages, hospitalisations were less so. In fact, close to 40% of those hospitalised after an outpatient diagnosis of COVID-19 were aged between 40 and 59. Males were also seen to be at an increased risk of worse outcomes, making up 60% of deaths. Comorbidities were also associated with worse outcomes, although after adjusting for age and sex their impact were generally most pronounced among younger patients.

Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences website.