Investigating the Impact of National Corona Headquarters Decisions on COVID-19 Hospitalization and Mortality Trends in Iran

Background: After the rapid spread of COVID-19 to all parts of the country, the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education (MoHME) formulated various protocols to deal with this virus. Aim: This study sought to determine the effect of some interventions of the National Corona Headquarters on the incidence and mortality of the disease. Methods: This retrospective analysis compared the impact of six interventions by Iran';s National Corona Headquarters on COVID-19 nationwide in 2023. Data on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths were analyzed using time series methods before and after each intervention. The effectiveness of social distancing, closures, mask mandates, and targeted restrictions on hospitalization and mortality rates was assessed. Results: Over 25 months, 1,170,502 individuals in Iran were infected with COVID-19, with men making up 50% of cases and 56% of the 120,965 deaths. The 30-59 age group had the most infections, while those over 80 had the highest mortality. The Hospital Case Fatality Rate (HCFR) was lowest in 15 to 29 year-olds and highest in those over 80. Gender differences revealed higher death and HCFR rates in men, although, by 2021, women experienced similar or higher positive case rates. Anomalously, the 80+ age group saw a rise in positive cases from August to September 2021, unlike other age groups. The protocols of the National Corona Headquarters had a significant impact on reducing hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of evidence-based public health measures tailored to the specific context of an outbreak. Additionally, the unexpected finding regarding HCFR in young children warrants further investigation.